HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO to my all GREATEST FANS OF FAN FICTION WORLD!...Just when you thought I have completely given up on this story before some major contemplation to DELETE IT. Well. it was you all that saved me to keep writing again. I LOVE LOVE LOVE READING YOUR REVIEWS! It was truly inspiring and meant so much to me. SO. I made a few MAJOR changes to the story line including a whole new twist to the plot. My creative energy has been over flowing lately. And I am excited to share the LOVE. ANYWHOO, I hope you like this Chapter. Please R & R as always and ENJOY! *smooches* ~A

RECAP FROM CHAPTER 22…..

(((((((((((PRESENT TIME, NOW ARRIVING IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA USA….)))))))

Loren's POV:

Eddie and I had just arrived from a 18 hour flight from London and decided to drop by my apartment really quick before heading out to dinner with MK at the Mk Mansion. As I unlocked the door and entered my apartment, I froze at the words coming at me.

"LOREN AND EDDIE DURAN! YOU'VE GOT A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO DO!"

CHAPTER 23 – The "LOVE" Restriction Loop Hole

Eddie's POV:

So Loren and I arrive at her apartment complex totally forgetting about the new security system that has been installed. So we had to go to the manager's office for her new key card along with an eye & hand ID scan plus a security code to access the front gate and the main entrance. Since I am going to be regular guest, I too, had to have a Hand ID scan and security code, which is a different number code from Loren's. ANYWAYS, after all that security stuff, etc. We went up to the 7th floor. Loren entered the code plus her key to unlock the door to hear….

(( "LOREN AND EDDIE DURAN! YOU'VE GOT A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO DO!" ))

Loren and I exchanged a look of surprised with a slight of guilt on our faces, as we both stood there, taking the heat.

THANK GOODNESS IT WAS MELISSA and Not Nora or the both of us would be so much deep doo-doo right now.

(("A SECRET WEDDING?! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"))

Melissa continued yelling.

(("HAVE YOU TWO GONE COMPLETELY INSANE IN THE MEMBRANE?! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS LO! WE ARE BEST FRIENDS! I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE YOUR MAID OF HONOR!" ))

(("Yeah LO! " called out a disappointed Adriana. "We were going to go on a cake tasting adventure too!..."))

Loren took a deep breath, flashing Melissa and Adriana her best Kool Aid smile.

Loren: "Mel, I know you are beyond upset with me but just because Eddie and I did what we did, trust me. It will not stop me from planning the wedding of my dreams with you as my Maid of Honor that is if you want to be."

She turned to Aid, "And Adriana, we will go on a Cake Tasting adventure plus Tiffany Blue dress shopping too!"

Mel: "But Lo, what's the point of dress shopping when you already worn it and Eddie has seen you in it and of course, I want to be your Maid of Honor..."

As the only male in the apartment, I had to simmer down the tension against my "wife". I felt it was my job to save her, knowing it yet at the same time understanding the situation that Adriana but especially Mel has been hurt by my secret Wedding ceremony with Loren. So I did the best thing to change their minds.

Me: "Shhhh...Ladies, calm down alright? "I said, this time it was me, flashing my world famous Rock " star smile at them. "As Mrs. *ahem* Duran has mentioned, our wedding will happen in a couple months according to plan...Ok?"

The girls nodded as Loren caught my eye from across the living room and in a persnickety way had pointed to the bag of souvenirs we had bought for Melissa and Adriana.

Me: "And besides ladies, we have presents for you!"

Within seconds, Melissa's big brown eyes of bitterness and disappointment suddenly turned into an excited child on Christmas Day.

Mel: "Are you bribing us for your forgiveness Rock star?"

Me: "Do you like Chocolate covered Macadamia nuts?"

Aid: "OMG! These are totes the bomb!.." squealed Adriana as she took a piece of chocolate popping it in her mouth.

Mel: "you are so lucky that I do, Duran. So what's the catch?"

I chuckled at Mel's comment. "No catch Mel. All you got to do is relax and enjoy the show."

Mel: (raising an brow), "show?...what show is that?"

Me: "our adventures in Maui."

Mel: (winking as she smirked out loud), "ooh…..is this an adulterated slide show if ya know what I mean?"

Me: (once again, I chuckled at Melissa's comment), "haha Mel. that is not what I meant, our adventures in Maui minus the honeymoon part"

And Mel's face quickly interchanged from happy to disappointed and then back to a joyous happy as she helped herself to another piece of chocolate.

"And" said Loren, taking her luggage set towards her room, "while you two enjoy our little crazy adventures in Maui, the hubby will start brewing up the Macadamia nut cream coffee for you too"

Me: "Will do, Mrs. D" I said as I grabbed the box set of K-cups and a grounded coffee bag and stepped into the kitchen. Thank Goodness the Keurig machine we sent out to them for Christmas was delivered on time. So brewing coffee is and as Loren would say, 'Rock star proof'.

Mel: "Macadamia Nut Chocolates and coffee, I love it and I love you both! You are forgiven!" exclaimed Melissa, lifting the second layer of chocolates.

Aid: "ooh. They brought us Macadamia Nut flavored coffee?! …sounds yummy! I am so excited to try it out!"

A few minutes later, the coffee was served. I took Mel's Director Mug, the one Loren and I made from, 'COLOR ME MINE' for her First Project as Director for E! Entertainment; Then I grabbed Adriana's Chef Mug, another creation from Color Me Mine, made by Loren and me, for Aid's graduation from Culinary Arts School.

While the girls were enjoying their treat, I followed Loren to her room, wondering why she's staying here in her apartment and not with me in our Penthouse.

I lightly tapped on the door, entered her room and wrapped my arms around her waist, kissing her up and down her neckline. Mmmmmm…daymmmm. She tastes wonderful. She began to giggle at my touch.

Me: "Babe, why are you unpacking here when you can do that at home, our home, the Penthouse?"

She turned herself around to face me with a quick peck on the lips.

Loren: "Mr. Duran, did you forget about a certain promise we made to our parents?"

Me: (shocked at her words, as I stammered) "WAIT!..WHAT?!...BUT WHY BABE?! It will be the first time sleeping apart! "

Loren: "I know hun and I get that, trust me, I do, but now that we are home in L.A., the sex restriction will have to take effect, starting tonight."

ME: "But Babe, I wanted to take you to our home,*in between kisses* carry you through the threshold and ma—"

Loren: (wrapping her arms around my neck as I held her closer in my arms) "mm-mm…*kiss* as tempting as that sounds, *kiss* we have to stay strong and keep our promise".

Me: (pouting like a three year old), "baaaaaaaaaaaaaabe! I don't think I can handle being away from you."

Loren: "we're only ten minutes away."

Me: "but ten minutes is too far away and why you are so chill about this? It's like you want to be away from me."

Loren: (burst out with laughter, followed by a smirk on her face), "maybe I do, maybe I don't…"

Me: (confused with a dumbfounded look on my face and now HURT!), "Are you telling me you do want to be away from me? BABE! What did I do? "

Good Lord! This woman is going to be the death of me!

Loren: "Eddie, considering that we have broken all the rules as it is and the promise we made to our parents is out the window, so it does not matter anymore, right but until then we have to put our brave face on and take the sacrifice to live apart…or we can just tell the tr—"

The truth?! What a beautiful concept! Uuuggghhh! I hate it when she is right, its either live apart for now or get caught on purpose?...hmmm…..there's an interesting idea…

Me: (shaking off that interesting thought flow of thoughts), "You are right Lo, we have to live a part for the time being and in due time, my love for you will be worth waiting for…I love you Loren."

Loren: "as I do love you too, Eddie"

With that, our conversation ended with a hot and heavy make session on her bed.

MEANWHILE, ON HER RIDE HOME…..

Lia's P.O.V.

I WOKE UP FROM THE SMOOTHEST TRAIN RIDE ON THE AMTRAK, *sigh* I know I should have taken the airplane home, but due to the holidays, flights to Los Angeles were booked, so I am ever so thankful for the person who helped sent me home, hooked me up with a train ride on the Amtrak. I gathered my stuff and stepped out of the train to the sights and sounds of ….. Oh no! I thought to myself; please tell me I am not where I think I am? Please tell me I am not in….

((NOW ARRIVING TO OJAI CALIFORNIA!)) Announced the speakers of the cabin.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I screamed the thoughts inside of my head. I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HOME IN LOS ANGELES. NOT HERE IN OJAI! WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED? I SPECIFICALLY TOLD THIS PERSON, HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA! Unfortunately, as I followed the walk way to exit out of the train station gates, a pair of familiar faces was waiting for me in the waiting/lobby area.

"WELCOME HOME DEAR DAUGHTER!" greeted my mom with a warm smile.

DAMMIT! They tricked me! They all freakin' tricked me! And then she pulled out the Manila envelope where she kept her plane and bus ticket stubs. It read: ONE WAY TICKET TO OJAI, CALIFORNIA

There has to be a get out of here and home to my Eddie!

LATER THAT AFTERNOON, AT THE AROMA CAFE…

STEVEN'S P.O.V.

Cassandra and I decided to check out the Aroma Cafe because according to Loren, they make the best Burgers, fries and Strawberry Milkshakes ever. And that is exactly what we ordered. With one major exception, Cassandra likes her fries, plain, while I like mine, Cajun style.

So while we were waiting for our food, Cassandra had just told me out of the blue, of her reason to visit Los Angeles which was to see her sister, Cynthia.

Me: "Babe, are you sure you want to risk your friendship with Loren? I mean, after all the crazy drama she has put Loren through, you still want to visit her?"

Cassandra: "Yes. Steven. I have to visit my sister, knowing what I am risking. But despite the fact that Cynthi—I mean, Chloe is the way she is, *IN BETWEEN SIGHS* she's my sister and I love her and maybe a reunion is what we both need."

Me: "I don't know Cass; it's just something about her I don't trust."

Cassandra: "all the reason I need to visit her. I have so many questions that can only be answered by her like what was her drive to leave us, her family. Why did she feel this lack of love towards us? Honestly Steven, I miss my big sister, Cynthia. The one I know is good person deep down; the sweet and simple, happy go lucky, lovable, cheerful Cynthia. "

Me: "And how are you going to explain to Chloe about you and Loren being best friends?"

Cassandra: "I'm not afraid of telling her the truth. What or how she feels about Loren is opinion, I don't exactly like it or do I agree with her but all I can do is Respect it. Nothing more or less than that."

Me: "And if she manipulates you to destroy Loren so she can get her bloody claws on Eddie Duran?"

Cassandra: "Look Steven, I know my sister more than she knows herself and I've seen and witnessed every trick in the book that she has pulled on me and my parents. Her games are old school. Nothing has changed. "

Honestly, I don't know what else to say about this visitation to Chloe. I guess it is me being an over protective brother on Loren from vicious claws of the wicked witch of West Hollywood, Chloe Carter. But Cassandra had always been the one to see the good in people. No matter how bad their actions were towards others. And despite all the Chloe-Loren drama during the time of the WIN A DATE WITH EDDIE DURAN CONTEST, Cassandra is in fact, Chloe's little sister.

Me: (giving in to this crazy idea), "Alright Cass, if you want to visit your sister, then go for it. I believe in the love of family too."

I got up from my chair as she slid down the cushion of our corner booth table. Taking the seat next to her, I have her hug and a kiss on the cheek.

CASS: "Thanks Steven, it truly means the world to me that you are here for me as I was for you when you found you and Loren are siblings."

Me: "Anything for you my love"

A few minutes later, our food finally arrived. Cassandra and I began talking and getting to know each other all over again. WE both decided and agreed to re kindle our romance and take it one day at a time. The bottom line is, Cassandra is a daily reminder of why I love her so much. She means the world to me. AS a matter of fact, I can't imagine my life without her and the more I think about it, she's THE ONE for me and I am no longer afraid to admit it. ANYWAYS, MY THOUGHTS WERE RUDELY INTERRUPTED BY THE SOUND OF MY VIBRATING PHONE.

I quickly took my phone out of my back pocket to receive a TEXT MESSAGE from an unknown number that impulse, I immediately forwarded the message to my sister, Loren…

WE RETURN TO THE GIRLS' APARTMENT…

LOREN'S POV:

So Eddie and I are alone in my room, lost in a hot and heavy make session on my bed. Things were escalating to the point of no control. I could not help how much I want my husband right now because technically Eddie and I can legally sleep together. I guess you can call it a LOOP HOLE to our sex restriction. But at this moment, right here and now, Eddie's level of friskiness is just….so damn indescribable. I am slowly giving in. It started out slow and steady, then came the dirty talk and the next you know we are in the shower together and back in my bed, satisfying each other and enjoying every moment of sweet intimacy together.

AN HOUR LATER, Eddie and I stepped out of my room, walking hand in hand, dressed in PJs and joined the girls in the living room, taking a seat on the black leather sofa. They were both at awe from our Maui vacation slideshow/movie.

Melissa was the first one to say something, while sipping on the last of her coffee. She was obviously very hyped up and super wired at the moment.

Mel: OMG YOU GUYS! I so understand the reason behind your secret wedding ceremony and marriage."

Eddie: "And what reason would that be Mel?" replied Eddie with a typical smirk on his face.

Mel; "a super genius loop hole to the Sex Restriction your parents got hold on the both of you".

Eddie turned to face Mel, thinking about a response. "You know what Mel, I never thought of it that way, but you are right, it is loop hole from the sex restriction."

"Huh? I don't get it Mel, what did Eddie do? "Spoke up Adriana, very much lost and confused about Eddie's conversation with Mel.

Mel: (slightly frustrated but calm), "Adriana! Focus! Do you remember Loren and Eddie's sex restriction?"

Adriana nodded. "Yeah. But what does that have to do with Loren and Eddie's wedd-….ooooh never mind" *she paused*, took a sip of her coffee and the last piece of chocolate, "oh I get it now. Sex restriction Loop hole right? Legally they can, but technically, they are engaged. "

Mel: "So are you two going to 'fess up the truth to your parents?"

Eddie and I exchanged a look of guilt. More awkward than ever. "Uhhmm...yeah. Mel. It's just that…it's complicated! "

Mel: "Complicated? really? what a load of Bull LOREN MONIQUE TATE DURAN! and as much as I am totally happy for the both of you, I have to play Devil's advocate here, you two have to put on your big girl/boy underwear on and tell them damn truth!"

Me: "But Mel!" I protested.

Mel: "I know you better than this Loren especially keeping a secret this big from your mom of all people! She may be SUPER MAMA GRIZZLY BEAR about every decision you make in your life, but the roller coaster of consequences are far deeper and much worse than you expect if you guys keep sneaking around"

Me: (sighing in defeat), "You're right Mel. We both have no excuses or options but to tell the truth. Thanks for the reality check."

Mel: "You're welcome. That's what friends are for. I know I can harsh but I just don't want any of you to damage your relationship with your parents. TRUST ME on this, Lisa would not be as forgivable as Max, Katy and Nora."

Aid: "yeah. You guys. Lisa is unbearably tough. Not to mention, over demanding and pushy. If it wasn't for the recent pregnancy scare, Phil and I would have been kicked out of her house. That's how unreasonable she can be."

The three of us then turned to Eddie who was unusually quiet. Probably contemplating on telling the truth or not. He explained himself and began over analyzing the pros and cons of why he should not tell the truth. FORTY-FIVE MINUTES LATER, he finally made up his mind and agreed with the three of us. And then, Melissa changed the subject, updating us about the recent events that had happened in the last couple of weeks. First, with Chloe sneaking around the apartment and tampering with mail, then Trent's late night visit.

Me: "CHLOE DID WHAT TO OUR MAIL?! "

Mel: "She apparently sneaked inside our building, asked the manager for the key to open our mailbox and tampered with your mail."

Me: "Was the mail delivered to me important?"

Mel: "Check it out for yourself. I put the letter inside the computer desk drawer by the kitchen."

Me: "okay. I'll go and get it."

So I walked over to the computer desk and opened the drawer. There was zip lock bag and inside of it, half-written letter and a ripped manila envelope with my name on it.

Me: "Mel? What's up with this zip lock bag?"

Mel: "Oh that's evidence against Chloe" said Mel, in her as-a-matter-of-fact voice. "And the letter you are looking for is inside a white envel—"

Me: "FOUND IT!" I shouted out loud from the kitchen/dining room.

I walked back to the living room as I opened the envelope, carefully unfolding the letter read it. Actually, I read it three times before shouting and screaming it out.

"OH MY GOSH! I PASSED THE BAR EXAM! "I squealed excitedly like a kid on Christmas day. Jumping up and down like a crazy person, "I AM OFFICIALLY A LAWYER! YES! YES! YES! WOOOOH-OOH!"

AT the moment, Eddie got up and off the couch, walking towards me, wrapped his arms around and gave me a sweet kiss on the lips. "Congrats babe, I am so *kiss* happy *kiss* for you baby! *kiss* I love you so much!" *kiss* *kiss*

Me: "Thank you baby love, I am so * in between kisses* happy to share this moment with you. I love you too!"

I could not help but to feel so happy at the moment. I mean, I have been waiting for these exam results since I took it a few weeks ago. But with all the crazy distractions that has been happening in my life lately. I totally forgot about it. But what took a toll on my curiosity is this need to know what the hell did Chloe do to my mail? anyways, I was so lost in my thoughts, I forgot I was still wrapped in Eddie's hold. So I gently unlocked myself out of his arms.

"So Mel, what does this have to do with Chloe?" asked Eddie, who was just as curious.

"with Chloe?" I echoed after Eddie.

Mel: "only that she was the one who ripped open the envelope and attempted to re-type the letter herself obviously determined to damage you with the opposite message. So I went to the manager's office and she was the one who recognized Chloe from the contest, asking 20 questions of how she knew you and Chloe gave her such a BS story and the rest was history."

Me: "So where is Chloe right now?"

Mel: "oh that girl has been behind bars with more than one account in her name."

Aid: "yeah. It was the same night of that drunken kiss photo. The police came to her apartment, with a pink notice that everything she owned has been repossessed. Not only that, but for breaking and entering at our apartment building, tampering with your mail, seducing an officer, then escaping later that night to go to MK, causing herself to be a nuisance to guests and a ban for life at the club."

And saving the best topic for last, how Melissa and Adriana found out about our Secret Wedding Ceremony and the link of photos connected to this mystery person's Twitter account. Melissa and Aid explained themselves.

Aid: "Well. First off, this person's account is private."

Mel: "And by a weird coincidence this person's followers are all our former classmates from high school."

Me: "Phew! So as long as this person's twitter account is private, our Wedding and those photos, at least for now, is still a secret."

Of course, with this being said, our phones began to ring/vibrate at once…..

*TWEET ALERT!* *TWEET ALERT!* *TWEET ALERT!* *TWEET ALERT!*

GOSSIP_QUEEN: WATCH YOUR BACK! YOUR SECRET WILL SOON BE REVEALED TATE! #NEWYEARSEVE #SOMEONEISWATCHINGYOU #REVENGEBITCH!

BUAHHAHAHA! SO my lovelies, how do you like that for a "H H FAN FICTION WORLD PREMIERE?" LOL.

a Sex Restriction loop hole? Lia stuck in Ojai? Chloe behind bars? Loren finding out that she had passed the BAR EXAM? Chocolate covered Macadamia nuts?

AND NOW SOMEONE IS OUT ON REVENGE AGAINST LOREN BUT THE QUESTION IS WHO? AND WHY?

COMING SOON...

-Now that the Sex Restriction is in effect, will the "LOOP HOLE" work or will they get caught?

-ITS NEW YEAR'S EVE, THE PARTY BEGINS AT SUNSET, LIVE FROM MK.

-Loren and Eddie reunite with their parents for the first time in like 10 weeks-EVERYTHING that has happened between Thanksgiving and Christmas will be explained through Flashbacks.

-Cassandra visits her sister, Chloe, will she give in and bail her sister out of jail?

-Steven warns Loren about their father being in Los Angeles.

-Lia is in a desperate need to get to L.A., will she find a way to get there in time for New Year's?

-ALL KINDS OF SURPRISES WILL BE REVEALED AT MID NIGHT. Actually. its More like a SHELL SHOCKER. Relationships will change. Someone will be BETRAYED.

LOVE it? (Please drop me SOME LOVE, R & R!)

Hate it? (BRING IT ON! you inspire me the most! )

THIRSTY FOR MORE? STAY TUNED TO ANOTHER ADVENTURE NEXT FRIDAY-SATURDAY. (because it takes a week to do a Chapter outline/writing out a rough draft/editing and then posting the Chapter)

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! for your love and support! I truly appreciate! all of you are SUPER AMAZING AND WONDERFUL! I LOVE YOU ALL!

till then..HAPPY READING!

lots of LOVE & PEACES!

*SMOOCHES*

a