Saving his life

Chapter 7

“Leonardo, what are you talking about?” I questioned his doubts.

“My maravillosa Maria...” (gorgeous) he began.

“I live a very different life to you and there are things that you don’t know about me” he confessed. I narrowed my eyes at him and waited for him to continue.

“My life is dangerous, I can’t keep you safe from the people that are after my family”. My eyes widened and I repeated his words “after you? Why?”. Leon sighed deeply and raised to his feet.

“I shouldn’t have done this, I’m sorry hermosa, I will take you home” he stated and started walking away. I took his hand and pulled him back to me. His chest was touching mine and our faces were centimetres apart. I hooked his attention onto my eyes and stroked his cheek.

“Leon, talk to me” I said calmly. I watched the wall he had put up moments before, crumble before my eyes.

“My father is a part of the mafia, he’s a capo” he finally admitted. 

“A capo?” 

“He is in charge of the soldiers and crew. He’s sort of like the general” he tried to explain. 

“So...” I prodded.

“Some people from a different gang murdered my mother in cold blood, my father was furious and wanted revenge. We moved here when I was 6 years old and have been looking for her killer ever since” he confessed and I flashed him a sympathetic look.

“That’s terrible Leon, I’m so sorry” I emphasised. He frowned and looked down at the sand. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking again.

“Maria, I’m involved with some seriously dangerous stuff. We are a part of a large organisation” he said and I questioned what he meant by that.

“Do you... kill people?” I hesitated.

“No... not personally... at least I haven’t yet. I’ve done some pretty bad things. Killing isn’t one of them” he stuttered. The thought of him killing someone sent a shiver down my spine.

“I’ve been involved in gang fights, street fights and stuff you couldn’t comprehend” he explained.

“I don’t want to be, but I have to involve myself otherwise I won’t find the bastardo that murdered my mother”. His tone was full of hurt and rage. I could feel the aggression and hatred he felt towards the murderers and the desperation for revenge.

“And if you avenge her death?” I asked and he raised his brow at me.

“Will you stop?”

“Hermosa, I want nothing more than to be away from this life style. The moment they have been brought to justice, my mother will be at peace and I can finally move on with my life” he informed me. I took a few minutes to take in the dark side that has just been revealed to me. For some reason, it didn’t phase me at all... if anything, it excites me. Leon’s expression became blank and he turned to walk away.

“Come on, I’ll take you home” he said but I grabbed his arm once more and pulled him to my lips. He was still for a moment and then parted his lips to fit against mine. He placed his thumb on my cheek and gripped the back of neck with his fingers. He pulled my waist towards him with his other hand and embraced me. His lips were velvety soft against mine. A small groan of relief escaped my mouth as we detached for air before connecting once again. 

My eyes were still closed for a second longer after we pulled away, taking in every sensation I could.

“Maria...” 

“I don’t care Leonardo, I don’t care about your dark secret, the dangerous life you live or that your prepared to kill the person that murdered your mother” I interrupted him, staring deeply into his gaze.

“If someone killed my mum then I would be prepared to do the same” I empathised and he stroked my cheek.

“I don’t have the strength to stay away from you for much longer” he confessed. 

“Then don’t” I whispered. Lust filled his expression and he kissed me hungrily, sucking and biting at my lips. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him in deeper. 

“Hermosa, you drive me loco” he breathed against me. I stopped him and pulled away. 

“I don’t want to do this, not yet” I explained and I expected him to pull a sulky face or complain, but he didn’t. He smiled and gently placed a kiss to my lips.

“Only when your ready, hermosa, I won’t leave you. Just say the word and I’ll give you everything you desire”. I blushed at his gorgeous accent and tried to ignore the warmth that gradually melted between my thighs. He bit his lip before taking my hand to guide me back to the car.

Whilst driving down the country lanes, Leon pressed his foot on the acceleration peddle. The car sped up quickly and my back was pressed against the seat. Leon smirked at me and I giggled.

“Aren’t you afraid?” He asked.

“Of your driving? Nope” I replied in a smug tone. He came up to a bend and zoomed round it without hesitation.

“Your not scared of the danger your in?” He asked again and I shook my head.

“If anything, it arouses me”. Leon’s eye brows surprise and I giggled at his reaction. We came to the end of the road and he slowed down. 

“You are one of kind hermosa” he smiled. He stayed quite for a moment as he turned right onto the main road. He took in a deep breath and exhaled.

“I wanted to ask you, what are you doing next weekend?”. I glanced over at him with a cheeky grin forming across my lips.

“Leonardo, are you asking me out?” I cheekily joked and he sniggered.

“I’m asking if you have plans” he responded. 

“I might have the weekend off, depending on what comes up” I implied, hinting at the fact I could be free if he was asking me out. 

“Well, I wanted to know if you would come camping? It will be with Carlos and his girlfriend but I don’t really want to be the third wheel if I’m honest” he excused. I blushed slightly and but my lip with excitement.

“Sure, I’ll come. I mean, I don’t want you feeling left out or anything” I joked and he chuckled.

“That’s settled then, I will pick you up next week at 9am, it will be a bit of a long drive so we will need to set off fairly early” he explained.

“Will I not see you before then?” I asked him and he shook his head.

“I’ve got a bit of a busy week, but you’ll have me all weekend I promise” he replied, seeming slightly dodgy. I couldn’t shake the disappointment I felt but tried to hide it the best I could.

“Is it... legal? The things you need to do this week?” I asked him, hesitant to impose on his business. Leon gripped the steering wheel, nervous to tell me the truth and for a moment I thought he was going to ignore me all together.

“No” he replied bluntly but honestly. 

“Thank you, I appreciate you telling me the truth” I gently said and he took my hand in his.

“Always”.