CHAPTER FORTY THREE

          LUCY FOUND HERSELF SURROUNDED BY KINDNESS AND LAUGHTER AS SHE SETTLED INTO RIO'S FAMILY DINNER. The long table was adorned with a colourful spread of food, the scents better than she had ever smelled. Rosa, with her kind smile and nurturing spirit had filled the brunette's plate for a second time to make sure she had enough to eat.

Rio sat beside her, his arm draped casually over the back of her chair. She stole a glance at him and he caught her eye with a warm smile that made her heart flutter.

The conversations flowed around them and Lucy found herself connecting to his family with ease. They were welcoming, involving her in conversation and asking her all sorts of questions she was happy to answer. Rio's cousins were animated, recounting childhood antics that made Lucy laugh until her sides hurt as Rio rolled his eyes. 

The man with the eagle tattoo sat back, a mix of amusement and exasperation on his face as his cousins bombarded her with embarrassing stories of him. 

"You should have seen the time we tried to build a treehouse and ended up with just a pile of wood and a whole lot of splinters. It was entirely his fault." one of them laughed, eliciting groans from the others who remembered the disaster all too well.

"Or the time we thought it would be a good idea to make a homemade slip 'n slide using trash bags and a garden hose." another chimed in, causing everyone to burst into laughter including Rio, who shook his head in mock disapproval.

As the laughter settled, one of the cousins leaned in closer to Lucy, their eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, how did you meet Rio? I need the scoop on this one! He never brings anyone around here."

The brunette kept her face the same as she froze. How could she explain how she met Rio without revealing the chaotic truth? The memory of the grocery store robbery flashed through her mind, making her stomach twist. They had stolen money from him, and there had been threats, bad threats and guns.

She glanced at Rio, her heart racing as she silently pleaded for him to jump in and save her. He met her gaze, a mischievous glint in his eyes and smirked knowingly. With a dramatic flourish, he leaned forward, ready to weave an entirely fabricated tale.

"Well," he shrugged playfully. "she's probably too embarrassed to tell you so we'll leave it at that."

"Oh, you have to tell us now." said Rosa as she sipped her wine but Lucy had the idea that she already knew exactly how they'd met and she send a wink Lucy's way.

"Alright, alright." he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I guess if we're going to tell it, we might as well embellish a bit. We actually met at a grocery store." She shot him a glare to which he grinned. "Lucy was in a rush and as she rounded the corner she bumped right into me and in the process, spills and entire carton of milk all over herself."

Lucy couldn't help but roll her eyes, but she was also grateful for his quick thinking. The laughter around the table erupted, and Lucy couldn't help but laugh along, imagining how ridiculous she must have looked if that had happened.

"Oh no, that's terrible!" one of his cousins exclaimed, feigning sympathy. "What did you do?"

Rio grinned, clearly enjoying this. "Well, I couldn't just let her stand there, drenched in milk. So, I offered her my jacket, which she promptly refused. She insisted she was fine, but I could see the embarrassment written all over her face."

"Oh my god, I can't believe you!" Lucy interjected, trying to keep a straight face. "You're making it sound way worse than it was!"

Rosa laughed heartily, clapping her hands together. "I love it! What a charming way to meet!" She turned to Lucy with a knowing smile. "See? You fit right in with us. And i'm so happy everyone is here to enjoy this family dinner on the last warm day of the year."

A chorus of cheers erupted around the table, glasses clinking in celebration. "To family!" someone shouted, raising their glass high, and the sentiment was echoed by everyone present.

As dessert was served, an assortment of homemade treats, Rio leaned closer to her to whisper, "I think they're trying to fatten you up."

Lucy laughed softly, leaning into him. "Well, if this is what being fattened up tastes like, I'm all in."

          DINNER WENT BY QUICKER THAN SHE WOULD HAVE LIKED AND LUCY FELT SO STUFFED SHE COULD BARELY MOVE. The brunette had insisted on helping clear the table, wanting to do her part, but his grandmother had been adamant as she said, "Absolutely not, mija. You're a guest here."

Despite her protests, Rosa wouldn't hear it and forbid her from lifting a finger. Rio had only chuckled from where he sat, fingers brushing slow circles on her back as he told her not to bother fighting it. She had reluctantly relented, sinking back into her seat.

Now, after excusing herself to the restroom, Lucy wandered through the hallway of the cozy home. She had meant to return to the backyard but found herself distracted by an open door further down the hall. Curiosity got the best of her, and she peeked inside. The room was modest and it was a little messy, but what caught her attention were the posters on the walls, football teams, old bands and a few worn books stacked on a dresser.

It looked like a teenage boy bedroom and she halted in the doorway. There were some family pictures on the wall and she could easily spot Rio among them, though he was much younger.

The bed was made, though the covers looked worn and slightly faded as if they'd been there for years. A small desk was pushed against the far wall, cluttered with old notebooks and a few trinkets. She smiled, taking in the little pieces of his past and imagined him as a teenager sprawled across the bed with headphones on, probably pretending not to hear his grandma calling him for dinner.

Her fingers brushed over the edge of the doorframe and she didn't want to enter as this wasn't her home. She had known Rio for a while now, but this was a glimpse into a side of him she hadn't yet seen, his past, his roots, the boy he used to be before the man she knew now.

There were soft footsteps behind her and she turned her head to see him standing beside her with a small smile on his face. "Guess you found my old room."

Lucy grinned sheepishly. "I didn't mean to snoop, I swear. I just... stumbled upon it."

Rio stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the room with a fondness in his eyes. "No worries. Not much to see, though. Just old memories."

She looked back at the room and then at him. "It's kind of nice. Seeing where you grew up."

Rio shrugged, but his smirk softened into something warmer. "Yeah, well... I guess this place made me who I am."

He stepped further into the room and brought her along with him before he closed the door softly, shutting them off from the distant sounds of his family in the backyard. He moved closer, his eyes lingering on her as he leaned against the dresser, folding his arms casually across his chest. There was something about being in his childhood room, surrounded by remnants of his past that made everything feel a bit more intimate. The way he was watching her didn't help.

Lucy felt her pulse quicken as Rio's gaze stayed fixed on her, the intensity in his eyes unmistakable. She shifted her weight, trying to ignore the heat rising to her cheeks. "Stop watching me like that."

Rio's smirk widened, his eyes lighting up with mischief. "Like what?" he asked, feigning innocence as he unfolded his arms and pushed off the dresser with deliberate slowness.

"You know exactly what I mean." she shot back, trying to keep her composure as he took a step closer, the space between them shrinking.

His expression remained teasing but there was something darker beneath it, a knowing look in his eyes that sent a shiver down her spine. "Do I? Or maybe you just like it." His voice was smooth, like he was daring her to challenge him.

Lucy felt her heart race, her skin tingling under his gaze. "You're impossible. We are at your grandmothers house."

Rio's grin only deepened. "So?"

Lucy's cheeks flushed as he closed the distance between them even more, his hand grazing her arm ever so lightly. She glanced toward the door, a weak attempt to remind him of where they were. "Your entire family is just outside."

"They won't come in here," he murmured, his fingers trailing up her arm now, sending sparks of heat through her. "And even if they did..." He paused, his lips hovering dangerously close to hers, his breath warm against her skin. "I'm not really worried about it."

Then tension between them was palpable and she could feel every inch of her body responding to his despite her internal protests. She should've pushed him away, anything to deflect the intensity of the moment. But instead she found herself leaning in just slightly, her resolve slipping away with every breath she took.

"Christopher," she whispered, though she wasn't sure what she was trying to say. Whether it was a plea to stop or to go further, she didn't even know.

He let out a low chuckle and his hand slid to the small of her back, pulling her in just enough to make her forget where they were for a second. His lips brushed the shell of her ear. "Come on, ma. Don't make me wait till we're back home to have you spread out for me."

Lucy's breath hitched, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as her pulse quickened. Jesus fuck.

Lucy's mind raced, torn between desire and reason. She knew they shouldn't. Not here, not now. But the heat of his body against hers, the intensity in his eyes, it was all too much.

"We can't." she breathed, but her body betrayed her words as she pressed closer to him.

Rio's hand slid lower, cupping her ass and pulling her flush against him. "We can," he murmured, his lips brushing against her neck as she took in a sharp breath. "and we will."

With a swift movement, he spun them around and pressed Lucy against the wall beside the dresser. His mouth found hers in a searing kiss, swallowing her gasp of surprise. She melted into him, her arms wrapping around his neck as she returned the kiss with equal fervor.

Rio's hands roamed her body, leaving trails of fire in their wake. 

The brunette's head spun as his kisses trailed down her neck, his teeth grazing her sensitive skin. She bit back a moan, very much aware of the thin walls and the family gathering just outside. But Rio seemed intent on making her forget all of that.

His hands slid under her shirt, calloused fingers tracing patterns on her bare skin. Lucy arched into his touch, her own hands fumbling with the buttons of his shirt. She managed to undo a few, exposing the tanned skin and tattoos beneath.

Rio pressed his hips against hers, letting her feel how much he wanted her. The friction sent a jolt of pleasure through her body, and she couldn't help the soft whimper that escaped her lips."Shh," Rio murmured against her ear, his voice low and husky. "Gotta be quiet, ma. Unless you want my abuela to find us."

"Chris," she gasped as he ground his hips against her own.

He silenced her with another deep kiss, his tongue sweeping into her mouth. Lucy's legs felt weak, and she was grateful for the wall supporting her. 

Rio's hands found the hem of Lucy's shirt and in one fluid motion, he pulled it over her head. His eyes raked over her exposed skin, a look of hunger in his gaze. "Damn, you're beautiful."

Lucy's fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as she lost herself in the kiss. She could feel the heat building between them, threatening to consume her entirely. Rio's hands roamed her body, leaving goosebumps in their wake. He unclasped her bra with practiced ease, letting it fall to the floor.

A gasp escaped her as his mouth moved to her breast, his tongue swirling around her nipple. Lucy bit her lip hard, desperately trying to stay quiet. "We shouldn't." she whispered weakly, even as her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer.

"Too late for that." Rio growled against her skin as he buried his face in her chest. "Been wanting to do this all night."

Lucy's breath caught in her throat as Rio's hands slid down to her hips, fingers dipping beneath the waistband of her jeans. She arched into his touch, craving more even as a nagging voice in the back of her mind reminded her where they were.

"What if someone comes looking for us?"

He lifted his head, dark eyes meeting hers mischief. "Then we better be quick, huh?"

His fingers made quick work of the button on her jeans, sliding the zipper down in a quick pull. Lucy's head fell back against the wall as his hand slipped inside, finding her already wet and wanting while still attacking her breasts with his mouth.

"Fuck," Rio groaned against her skin. "so ready for me already."

Lucy bit her lip to stifle a moan as Rio's fingers teased her through her underwear. Her hips bucked involuntarily, seeking more friction.

"Please," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Rio smirked against her skin, clearly enjoying her desperation. "Please what, ma?"

She growled in frustration, grabbing his wrist and trying to guide his hand where she needed it most. But Rio resisted, keeping his touch maddeningly light.

"Use your words," he murmured as he bit her nipple and she gasped.

Lucy's cheeks burned with a mixture of arousal and embarrassment. "Touch me," she breathed. "please, I need you to touch me."

Rio's grin widened, satisfaction clear in his eyes. "That's my girl."

Without another word, Rio slipped his hand inside her underwear, his fingers finding her slick folds. Lucy gasped, her hips jerking at the contact. He began to stroke her slowly, teasingly, building her pleasure with deliberate movements

"Shh," he reminded her, his free hand coming up to cover her mouth as he increased the pressure of his fingers. Lucy's eyes fluttered shut, her body trembling as he worked her closer to the edge.

Rio's thumb found her clit, circling it with just the right amount of pressure. Lucy's muffled moan vibrated against his palm as she fought to stay quiet. Her hands gripped his shoulders tightly, nails digging into his skin through his shirt.

Lucy's entire body was on fire, every nerve ending alight with pleasure as Rio's skilled fingers worked her closer and closer to the edge. She bit down on her lower lip, desperately trying to stifle the moans threatening to escape. 

Rio's lips found her neck again, sucking and nipping at the sensitive skin. "That's it, ma." he murmured against her ear, his hot breath sending shivers down her spine. "Let go for me. Wanna feel you come on my fingers."

Lucy's breath came in short, ragged gasps as Rio's fingers worked their magic. She was so close, teetering on the edge of bliss. Her entire body trembled with need, every muscle taut as she chased her release.

His thumb pressed harder against her clit, circling it relentlessly as his fingers curled inside her. The dual sensations were overwhelming, and Lucy felt herself spiraling higher and higher.

She buried her face in Rio's neck to muffle her cries as her orgasm crashed over her. Waves of pleasure coursed through her body, making her shake and jerk against him. Rio held her tightly, his fingers working her through the aftershocks until she slumped boneless against him.

Rio held her tightly against him, his free hand stroking her back. "That's it, sweetheart." he murmured, his voice low and husky. "so fucking beautiful."

As the aftershocks subsided, Lucy became acutely aware of their surroundings again. The distant sound of laughter from the backyard filtered through the closed door, a stark reminder of where they were. She felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment and lingering arousal.

Rio withdrew his hand from her back with slow deliberation, his fingers grazing her skin as if savouring the final touch. He brought those same fingers to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers as he did so. His gaze was intense, playful, and entirely unapologetic. He knew exactly what he'd done, and he wasn't ashamed of it.

Lucy's breath caught in her throat as she watched Rio lick his fingers clean, his dark eyes holding her gaze. The sight sent another jolt of heat through her body, despite her recent release.

"You taste so good, ma." he murmured, his voice low and rough with desire. "Even better than desert."

She could feel the hard line of his arousal pressed against her hip, a reminder that he was still very much unsatisfied. Lucy's hand trailed down his chest, her fingers tracing the outline of his tattoos before coming to rest at the waistband of his jeans.

"As much as I want you to return the favour." he murmured, his voice strained, "we should probably get back before they send a search party."

Lucy nodded, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. She knew he was right, but part of her wanted to throw caution to the wind and finish what they'd started.

"Besides," he added with a smirk, "I'd rather take my time with you later. When we don't have to worry about being interrupted."

two chapters in one day for you lovelies! okay but for real this time, shits gonna hit the fan very very soon but instead i'll give you all another smutty chapter right after this one if you're interested? <3