Second Down Love: A Second Chance Sports Romance

by Kara Hart

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right,” I say, mouth completely full. “I’m chugging along.”

  There’s a short silence as we sit and digest all of the grease. Finally, he says “Tell me, what’s the boyfriend situation. I haven’t heard anything about Travis in a while.” He looks at me, smiling and I feel my face turn red. I absolutely hate talking about my love life with any of my family members. I probably always will.

  “Travis? You remember him?” I ask him. “He was… interesting. Not really relationship material, I would say. Let’s just say that I don’t think he knows how to stay with one woman for a long period of time.”

  Dad sets his burger down and wipes his hands off. “I’ll kill that son of a bitch,” he says. “Just give me his info. Me and Ricky are going to pay him a visit.” He makes a few gestures of strangulation and laughs. This is our family, joking about handing my exes over to the Don.

  “He’s fine. He’s been dealt with,” I roll my eyes. “Anyway, how are things here? Besides gramps, of course.”

  He sighs and stares off into the distance. “Oh, it’s okay. The city is getting better, so that’s always a plus,” he says. “But I’m getting tired of the same old game. All I hear about is the damn ‘family business.’ I’m getting to be an old man now. I want some adventure before I go.”

  “You’re not an old man, Dad. Fifty is the new thirty,” I laugh. “What you need is a good woman.”

  “What I need is your brother to move out,” he shakes his head. “I swear. He’ll be 40 years old before he’s gone. It’s driving me crazy.”

  “You need a woman and for Giovanni to leave,” I say. “Just kick him out already. You’ve been telling him to get a job for years. He can’t mooch off you forever, Dad.”

  He waves his hand at me and groans. “What can I do? Leave him on the streets? He’s my son. I have to be there for him, even if I don’t always like it.”

  “Oh, bullshit. You don’t have to let family drag you down, Dad,” I tell him. “I’m worried about him. As much as I dislike him, he’s still my brother. I’m afraid he’s going to get more involved with Ricky and everyone.”

  “He already has. I don’t know what to do about it. I hardly see him most nights. He’s always hanging around Ricky’s club,” he says. He’s not looking at me. I can tell it’s hard for him to even admit. “And when he isn’t, I’m pretty sure he’s out making money for them.”

  “Dad, is he slinging on the streets?” I ask him.

  “I don’t know what the hell they’ve got him doing,” he says. “But I’d rather him sling drugs on the streets than be a made man. If he starts shooting people, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

  “Jesus,” I whisper to myself. “I didn’t know it was that bad. I thought he just romanticized the whole Italian thing. I didn’t know he was actually gearing up to be promoted within the ranks.”

  “Who the hell knows with that kid? He never lets me in,” he says. “He acts like I’ve betrayed the family by not meddling in any crime. You know me, Bianca. I used to get involved in all of that shit. It’s just not a good plan in the long run. You either die or you get caught. There’s really no other option.”

  “You don’t have to tell me,” I shake my head. “I know about it. Try not to worry too hard, Dad. I’ll be a lawyer in no time and I’ll handle all the family cases if I have to.”

  It’s not in my life plan to be the family lawyer, but I can tell all of this stuff is eating away at my father. If anything, I need to get my brother out of this place or he’s going to do lasting damage.

  “Bianca, that’s the last thing I want for you. You have to help people who need it.” He crumples his burger wrapper and finishes his milkshake. “I think I’m about to explode.”

  “Same. You ready to go?” I ask him.

  “Ready when you are,” he says.

  We walk slowly back to the car and I lazily fall onto the leather seat. “Ugh. Food coma,” I mutter. “I think I’m going to sleep the rest of the day.”

  He starts the engine and rolls out of the dirt lot, making his way back onto the dilapidated road toward the freeway. In the back of my mind is that man, Hunter. I can’t stop thinking about him.

  He’s a total creep, sure. But something tells me there’s more to him. Maybe I’m just being naïve. I grew up with these mobsters though. And nobody acts like him. He’s outside the realm of even their world. Part of me thinks he’s not even involved with any gang.

  Maybe he’s like Robin Hood or something. Either that or he’s a hitman. Jesus. Have I been fantasizing about fucking a hitman? No, I can’t. I can’t get with someone like that. Could I?

  “Dad?” I blurt out. “Have you noticed anyone weird hanging around the house lately?”

  “Anyone weird?” he wonders aloud. “Sure. There’s been plenty of weird people around, especially lately with all of the attacks. Everyone’s been on edge and I’ve seen a lot of new faces. You have to get your soldiers ready in case a war breaks out.”

  “But like, have you seen any older guys, maybe in their mid 30’s? I’m talking about experienced looking criminals,” I say.

  My dad slows down his driving and looks at me out of the corner of his eyes. “What’s gotten into you?” he asks. “Why are you asking?”

  “No reason,” I lie. “I just saw someone at the funeral. He just kind of stood out to me is all.”

  “My God,” he laughs, “you have a crush!”

  “Dad, no,” I shake my head. “It’s not like that. I—”

  “You’ve got a crush, dammit!” He ruffles my hair. “Don’t lie to your father. I know everything. Go ahead, tell me about him.”

  “Okay, first of all, I don’t have a crush,” I begin. My chest tightens up with annoyance. “Second, I’m dropping this now. I was just wondering because he seemed weird. I’m just looking out for you.”

  “Well, everyone at the funeral was someone I’ve seen before,” he says. “At least, I think. I was kind of busy grieving.”

  “I know,” I sigh.

  We get home in ten minutes and the sun is beginning to head down from its afternoon blaze. I jump out of the corner and hug my father. It’s been a rough week for him and he deserves all the love in the world. God knows my brother won’t acknowledge his pain.

  “I had fun, Dad,” I tell him honestly. “We should do this more often.”

  “It’s nice sneaking away with you again. It’s like the old days, before Mom passed,” he says. The thought hits home hard. The days when Mom was still with us… They were different. My brother was a normal kid. I was happy being home. When she died, all three of us fell apart. Now, everything felt so disconnected. Shit, my brother could hardly handle it still.

  “Love you, Dad,” I whisper and give him a big hug. We head inside.

  Out of the corner of my eye, however, I swear I see Hunter, in that alleyway next to my house. But when I turn my head, there’s no one there. Weird. Just my imagination, I guess.

  “Bianca’s got a crush,” my dad sings, laughing. Ugh. Okay. I’ve got a crush on a psychopath. Let’s not discuss that any further.

  Hunter

  I can’t stop watching her, dammit. I’m turning into a fucking stalker. It’s those curves of hers, I reason. And those lips. Shit, it’s her tits and strong personality.

  The truth of the matter is, I want her to ride my face every single day. That’s all I’m fucking thinking about at this point. Sure, there’s my revenge, but that can wait. It’s better if I lay low anyway. It’ll give them time to think everything is okay again. And right when they start to feel better about their insignificant little lives, boom. I’ll be the one smiling.

  I pull out a cigarette and light it, watching her house. One drag, two drag, three drags, and it’s practically done. I put it out and light another. This is my life. This is what it’s like to be a fugitive. Fuck, I even rub one out to pass the time. When I cum it gives me barely any joy. It’s nothing like fucking her would be.
>
  When the sun has set, I see her again. My eyes light up as she steps off of the curb and sits down. She grabs a cigarette and lights it. I shouldn’t waste my time with this woman. I should be in complete and total isolation. Any sudden misstep is like asking for trouble. Still, I have to talk to her. I have to, dammit.

  “I know you’re there,” she says loudly. “Stop being a creep for once and come out.”

  Shit. I step out of that alley and come face to face with the chick that’s bound to get me killed. She knows what I did at that funeral. I have half a mind to silence her.

  “Hey,” she nods at me. “Want some?”

  She holds her cigarette out at me and I realize it’s a joint. “No, thanks,” I mutter. “I’m a drinker myself.”

  “Suit yourself,” she says, staring off into the distance. “Man, this place is dismal.”

  “I love this city,” I tell her. “It’s worth fighting for.”

  “I guess,” she sighs. “So, like, I’ve been thinking about you.”

  “And?” My heart actually kind of bounces a little. My cock jumps. Does that actually make me feel something? I guess being away for so long has actually made me go soft. I cough and look at her face. It’s as smooth as porcelain. Under the streetlights, the shadows fold perfectly over her cheeks. “What do I care?” I ask her.

  “Well,” she exhales and turns to look at me. “I don’t think you should hang around here anymore.”

  “But then I wouldn’t be able to see you,” I say.

  “Okay, do you realize how creepy that sounds?” she asks me. She has a hesitant look to her, however, and it doesn’t make me feel too hot.

  “You don’t know what my life’s been like lately,” I tell her straight. “I’ve been staring at my wall for hours. I’m losing my damn mind.”

  “Yeah, well. Not my problem,” she says.

  “I never said it was.” Her thighs are pressed against her jean shorts and I’m staring hard at them. She looks at me and sees me drooling. I simply smile. I don’t give a shit. She knows I want to fuck her and sooner or later she’s going to give in to me.

  “Why don’t you take a picture?” She asks, pushing her legs away from me.

  “Trust me, honey. I would if I could,” I tell her.

  “Ugh. What’s your deal, anyway? Are you going to tell me why you’re always alone?” she asks. “It’s kind of weird. It’s like you’re in exile or something.”

  I laugh and light up a third cigarette. “You could say that, yeah.”

  “So you’re in exile? That’s it?” she asks. “What happened?”

  “I fucked the boss’s wife,” I lie.

  Her eyes grow wide with surprise. “No fucking way. You didn’t…”

  “Nah, I didn’t,” I laugh. “Anyway. I wouldn’t say that I’m in exile. It’s more like purgatory. I’m paying for my sins.”

  “Sins?” she blurts out, shaking her head. “Don’t tell me you’re into that religious shit too. God, all of you gangsters are the same. Aren’t you?”

  “You don’t have to be a religious man to believe in sin, darling,” I tell her.

  “Actually, I think that’s exactly what you have to believe in,” she says. “But I get it. You’ve done some bad shit. Big deal. Everyone has.”

  That makes me laugh like crazy. “Shit, I bet you’ve never done anything bad in your life,” I say.

  “Yes, I have,” she tells me with a straight face. “I’ve done plenty of bad stuff.”

  “Like what?” I ask her. “Tell me one bad thing you’ve done.”

  She looks up into the sky and squints, deep in thought. The way she has to think about it is cute. It’s like I said, she doesn’t know what bad means. “Well, I killed my friend’s turtle once,” she laughs quietly.

  I nod. “Yeah, I’ve done that before too. Only, it was a gerbil. Threw it right in the microwave. I still remember the look it gave me before—”

  “Ew!” she yells. “Stop. I didn’t kill the turtle like that! I accidentally left it in her room without any food or water while she was on vacation. I think it starved to death or something.”

  I laugh, slapping my palm down on my knee. “Baby-girl, it’s like I told ya. You don’t know what sin is. I’ve killed over 100 men. I’ve slashed people. I’ve seen things you wouldn’t believe,” I tell her. “I’m not telling you this to brag or freak you out. I’m telling you because it’s the truth. As soon as you realize who I am, you’ll understand that it’s not just exile I’m in. I’m waiting for my sentence.”

  She breathes in heavily, unable to react to what I just told her. “I see,” she exhales. “I hope you know that you’re giving me more reasons why I should cut you out.”

  “Yeah, I thought about that,” I sigh. “But I’m not one to lie. I figure if you’re looking for a good time, I’m your man. If not, so be it. I’ll rot in my cell alone until my time is called.”

  “So they’re going to kill you?” she asks. “I don’t understand. Don’t you have anyone to back you up?”

  “There’s a lot you don’t know,” I say. “From what I know, they already think I’m dead. But it’s only a matter of time before they figure out that I’m still alive. There, I’ve said all I need to say. Are you afraid of me yet?”

  “Nah,” she laughs. “You haven’t threatened me yet. That’s more than I can say about my cousin Ricky. You forget that I grew up around a notorious gang. I’m not scared too easily.”

  “Oh yeah?” I smile. “Well, I’m glad you’re not too scared.” My hand falls around her waist. She hesitates for a second before giving in to me. “Trust me. I’d be scared if I were you.”

  “Don’t treat me like a child,” she whispers. I’m not sure what it is. Maybe it’s the beautiful night, or maybe it’s the fact that we both have nothing to lose, but suddenly we’re close to one another. We’re so close that our lips are practically touching. “I’m not a child,” she repeats. “I’m a woman. And you better start treating me like one if you want a chance with me.”

  “I’ll treat you right,” I groan, pressing my forehead against hers. A car passes by us and, though it could be the death of me, I don’t give a fuck. I’m so turned on by her, I could explode right here. “I’ll make sure you feel like a woman by the time I’m done with you.”

  “Prove it,” she whispers with a cute smile. Her cheekbones are perfect and so are her lips. She’s so fucking perfect. I can barely stop staring at her.

  My lips move over hers and within a split second, I am flying high. All of her rushes into me – her scent, her beauty, the way her ass makes me feel. Everything about her shoots into my body with that one kiss. Quickly, I wrap my lips around her again, this time biting down. She bites back and kisses my cheek, pulling away and smiling.

  My hand grips hard around her thigh, and my cock is throbbing against my pants. As I move toward her pussy, she lets her hand glide over the thick bulge of my pants, unbuckling my belt and fumbling at my zipper. We become irrational, breathing heavy and fast.

  “I promised myself I wouldn’t do this,” she says.

  “Then why are you doing it?” I ask her, slipping my hand down her pants. “Holy shit, you’re so wet.”

  “That’s exactly why I’m doing it,” she whispers back, biting down on my lower lip again.

  “You like them bad, huh?” I ask her. My fingers start to swirl around her lips. I squeeze them together over her clit and move them up and down. Then, after a minute or so, I insert two fingers inside her. The sound of her breath pushing forward sends life into me.

  “Yes,” she moans. “I like them as bad as they come.” My other hand pushes underneath her shirt, moving upward until I feel her perky tits against my palm. I eagerly cup both of them and push her body on top of my lap. “Come to me,” I moan.

  My cock is so big that she has to wrap both hands around my shaft. I don’t even know if she’s been with a man like me before and I have half a mind to warn her to be careful. “I want
to see you at your most vulnerable state,” she tells me. “I want to make you cum for me, Hunter.”

  When she says my name, my stomach rises inside of me. My balls actually harden and I can feel myself go quick to the draw. With both her hands, she spits down and strokes me with slow circular motions. I close my eyes and moan loudly. It’s been a while since I’ve gotten a hand job this good. It actually surprises me since most women are pretty fucking awful at it.

  “You like that?” she says, giving me a sly smile.

  “More than you know,” I say.

  She leans forward and kisses me again. My tongue parts her lips and curls around her tongue. I’m lost in her strawberry scent and thick red lips. I reach up and run my fingers through her beautiful hair. And when I can’t take it any longer, I pull it back. I’m getting close to the edge and it’s killing me. I just want this to last forever.

  “Yes!” she screams. I’m actually scared she might wake the neighbors or, even worse, her parents. Still, I’m not about to stop her yet. “Get rough with me.”

  I’m starting to wonder to myself, is this bitch crazy? But then I’m wondering if that even matters She’s that good. If this is really my last day on this earth, I’m all for it. I can only imagine what being inside her feels like.

  My hand falls to her neck. I push it up lightly. I don’t want to choke the woman, so it simply hangs around her collarbone. She grabs my hand and forces it even tighter. “I said, I like it rough. You think I was joking?” With my other hand, I’m circling around her clit. Her breathing quickens and moves to a higher pitch.

  “Fuck, you’re so beautiful,” I find myself muttering. It’s almost as if I have to say it out loud to believe it. This random girl, the daughter in a reputable family, is actually stroking my cock right now. I almost can’t believe it. Then again, stranger things have happened.

  I’m about to fucking cum. Looking at her thick, curvy body drives me over the edge, and when she pulls out her tits, I nearly explode. “I’m going to cum. Holy fuck.” I squeeze around her flesh and lay back.