Disclaimer: It's not mine.
Summary: Alec's interest on another girl drives Max crazy. Can she accept the reason for her jealousy?.
A/N: I have a good news for you. I have finished planning this story chapter by chapter, now all I have to do is write it. I can now say without a doubt that some of you are right on track on what's going to happen, others way off. Unfortunately, I can't tell you who is right and who is wrong, I don't want to spoil it. So you'll have to read and see.
A/N: Thanks too you all for the reviews. So many, I still can't believe it. They put a huge smile on my face. Special thanks to Rose for coming up with the chapter's title. I loved it so I used it, thank you girl. And of course, to my wonderful beta Secretly beautiful. And a special welcome to Cloudburst, I'm so glad you are enjoying the story. Your review was so great, I can't stop grinning. Unfortunately, I can't answer your questions, I would give too much away. I just hope you like what I have prepared for you when you finally read it.
Ok, thanks again to you all. You people are the best, you are a huge encouragement. Now, Enjoy!
CHAPTER 7: THE BITCH IS BACK
"Hey guys, forgot your drinks?". Max made her way to the pool table with Biggs right behind. In her hands, four glasses, Biggs holding the beer. There was a smile on her face and determination in her eyes.
Danielle send a smirk her way. "Yes, sorry about that. Got a little carried away with the game here". She chuckled. She hide it quite well, but she just couldn't help it when she saw their looks. Everyone reacted to her little joke. Max with anger, thinking about the scene she had walked into earlier. Alec, completely terrified she might let something slip about his outburst earlier. And Biggs just relaxing and having finally a little fun with the game they were playing. After all, who cared what his destiny might end up being, he was going to enjoy every bit of this. The reactions Max and Alec had were a little give away that the days to come would be some pretty interesting ones.
"Yeah. About that, it was my fault really...... I ..... yeah, well, I ......". Alec was stammering. He wanted to find a way out of this mess, before Danielle did something that could get him into trouble. Why would his reaction get him into trouble he wasn't sure. After all, what had any of this had to do with him? But the thing is, no matter how crazy it sounded, he couldn't stop feeling awkward about the situation. Like he had reacted in a compromising way to the news, no matter how hard he tried to deny it. He hide it expertly like always, but he was nervous. Even more if you considered he didn't know what the hell was wrong with him, and he was feeling like this in the presence of the same people involved in his troubled thoughts. Like always, he finally found a way out. The same way out he usually used, smart aleck comments and his Alec smirk, his best weapons. He plastered the smirk on his face and spoke.
"I mean, how can a guy be in the presence of such a beautiful lady without the need to breathe some fresh air. I guess you could say it was too hot in here for my health's sake."
While speaking, he sent an appreciative look towards Danielle. Danielle started laughing like there was no tomorrow. Biggs followed her steps. They just couldn't control themselves, it was too much even for them. They had to let go and laugh, it was too funny to do otherwise. Alec was doing their jobs without even trying. Max's face was red with anger and pain. Alec was confused looking at them like they had grown a second head or something. But Max recovered quickly and sending a death glare towards Danielle, she positioned herself strategically between the two while slapping Alec upside the head.
"Alec, we don't need to know what goes on inside that sick mind of yours". She took a pool stick from its place on the wall. "I want to play. Danielle, what do you say to some real competition? Contrary to some people, I don't have crazy hormones to worry about." She sent a glare to Alec, who just shrugged.
"Come on Maxie, don't be like that. Like you can keep your hands off of this gorgeous body of mine."
She slapped him upside the head again.
"See what I'm talking about?". His smirk was in place and Max frowned. She could never win, he always had the last word. But she was smiling on the inside. He was right, she could hardly keep away from him. It required a lot of self control and pride not to jump him right then and there. Not that she would tell him or anything. Oh no, his ego was too big already. So she just turned around with great trouble (he was looking so fine tonight) and faced Danielle waiting for her answer.
"Ok, you are on."
Max was doing her part. She was using her own weapons now, the ones she knew she had. Leaning into the table to take her shot, she gave Alec a close look at her butt in more than one occasion. When it was Danielle's turn to shoot, Max went to retreat her beer from the table at Alec's back. While doing so, leaning so close to him, she could feel his breath on her ear, and he could feel hers on his. It send shivers down their spines.
"Maxie, you looking for something?"
"Just my beer." She showed him the glass and drank from it without taking her eyes from him. Her stare was so intent, he looked away, casually, as if he was interested in Danielle's shot. But Max wasn't ready to let him off the hook yet. "Why? Is there a problem?". She asked this with the best innocent look she could manage while standing mere inches from his face.
"What? Oh nothing, just thinking." He tried to sound nonchalant, helping himself with a relaxed posture, but his eyes reflected his troubled mind.
"About?"
"I don't know, something reminded me of that saying. How does it go? Don't play with fire, you might burn yourself?" He spoke before thinking about it. Why the hell did he say that for? Except......Yeah, his joke about Danielle earlier was becoming true with Max. This place was getting increasingly hot by the second and he didn't know why Max was acting like this. The thing was, no matter the reason for her actions, they were driving him insane. His body was having all kinds of reactions to her. She was intoxicating. Her looks, her scent, her proximity. And if it was ever true that his thoughts could risk his life, this was it. Max would kill him if she found out. Not to mention Biggs, his best friend Biggs, who happened to be interested in this girl. This was making things even worse. So what was he doing? Why was he saying this things to her? Had he a death wish or something? He couldn't come up with an answer in time, for he was left in an even worst state of mind by her answer.
"I might want to."
And for the first time, Max walked away with the last word, with Alec too shocked to make any retort. ´What? What the hell does that mean?. Why does she go and say something like that? Is she trying to kill me? Yes, yes she is. She is trying to kill me. This is payback for my line earlier, it has to be. Man, she has a twisted mind.´
They played for a couple of minutes more before Danielle won the pool game. Max was too distracted by the memory of his reaction to concentrate on what she was doing. ´Yeah, she still had it. And she was so going to win this. Danielle was toast`.
They returned to the table and Biggs and Danielle went to the bar to get more drinks. Shots of tequila for everyone, courtesy of Max for losing.
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"Ok. So what do you say?"
"I think they are about to break. All they need now is a final push"
"And what do you have in mind?"
"Nothing big. Alec has the image of the two of you on his mind now to haunt him. Just sit next to her and talk to her, I'll take care of the rest."
"You are the brain of this operation. Your wish is my command, ma´am"
He gave her a mock salute and they traveled back to complete their mission. Both trying to hide the mischievous grin that threatened to appear on their lips.
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Alec had Max at his left and Danielle sitting at his right. Biggs was sitting across from Danielle and next to Max. All four at the small circular table. It was a good thing the four of them were trained to take care of multiple tasks at the same time, considering none of them were really paying attention to their respective conversations. Biggs was discussing with Max every topic he could come up with while trying to keep an eye on every single detail of the situation in front of him. He didn't want to miss a thing. Danielle was right, they were about to break. If anything was going to happen it would be tonight. Max was trying to appear interested on what Biggs was telling her while keeping an eye on the very unnerving scene across the table. Danielle's hand to be more specific. Danielle's hand on Alec's thigh. Alec, on the other hand, wasn't paying much attention to this fact, as he was too busy listening to Danielle's words while trying to suppress the feelings this words were waking inside of him and sounding casual about it. Even Danielle had her hands full working on completing the mission, while trying not to smirk and give herself away.
She leaned closer to Alec and whispered. "You see Alec, I'm right. See how he is always talking to her, trying to get her attention. When have you seen Biggs so deep in conversation with a girl before? Usually he'd be having a more intimate contact with her by now. This is love, Alec. There's no other explanation."
"Don't be naïve. She is just his friend, same as you. Besides, I don't think Max is his type anyway. He is into blondes, remember?."
But he was still uncomfortable with the idea. It could happen, Biggs could be interested in Max. She was beautiful and so full of strength. What would he do if it was true? Wait, why would he do anything? This had nothing to do with him. He would be happy for his friend. Or better yet, he would be the one to take him to the strip club when he ends up hurt and needs to cope. Cause that's so going to happen. There's no way Max shares his interest. She is into superhero cyber journalists with their exoskeletons and pre pulse wines. Yes, Biggs doesn't stand a chance against Logan. But for some reason, that didn't make him feel better either.
By his side, Max wasn't taking things any better. She had remained cool for too long, longer than expected and she was reaching her limit fast. Danielle's whispers and actions not making it any better for her either. Even more if you considered it was pretty difficult trying to listen in on their conversation with Biggs's constant yapping. No, she hadn't found out anything at all and it was driving her insane. ´Ok, that's it. I'm tired of this girl, she is going down`.
"Logan". And with a fast move and no further explanation, Max joined her lips with Alec.
His first reaction was that of puzzlement, confusion. But as he started drowning in the taste of her, he deepened the kiss and couldn't help but feel content. The feelings she was waking in him so deep he thought he was going to burst into flames right there and then. There was wanting and strong desire, but there was something deeper also, something he couldn't put a finger on it, or didn't want to. When her lips parted and gave him entrance, the world around him disappeared and all his senses could acknowledge was her. Max was drowning in him also. She knew she wanted him but she could never had imagined the feel of him, what it could do to her mind, to her soul. She had meant this kiss as a way of showing Alec what he was missing, as a way of showing Danielle she had to back off. But the second her lips came in contact with his, every coherent thought abandoned her and she was lost in him.
Across from them, the minds of this operation were having a wonderful time watching their plan develop into a successful one. I mean, how could any of them come up with an excuse that could explain that kiss. There was no way out of this one. So now Alec and Max would have to accept the obvious, that there was more to their constant fighting and picking on each other. They would have to make peace with that fact, a fact that was so obvious to everyone except for them. However, one could say that Biggs and Danielle didn't live up to their high IQs or didn't know their friends very well, if they dared made that assumption. After all, this is them we are talking about. There is always an excuse for denial with them.
Everyone was brought out from their reverie when a cell phone started ringing. Although it took longer for Alec and Max to acknowledge this sound. They were a tiny bit distracted with other issues at the time. It took Biggs loud voice to take them out of their current actions. "Is someone going to get that?". But even that wasn't enough. They might have broken the kiss, but none of them made any effort to answer Alec's phone. They stayed there staring at each other right in the eyes, afraid to move or speak. They wanted to cherish the moment, but at the same time they were too afraid to face the consequences. So they stayed there wishing time to stop for ever. It wasn't until Alec's phone stopped and Biggs's started ringing, that they finally broke eye contact. Biggs answered his cell while Max tried to explain her actions.
"I.... I'm sorry. I thought I saw Logan entering Crash and I freaked out. We are supposed to be together, so I assumed that if he saw us maybe he would finally get the fact that it's all over between him and me. I wasn't thinking, I shouldn't have done that, I'm sorry". ´Yeah right. I can't believe he is buying this crap. I'm a better liar than I thought`. As you can imagine there was no Logan at Crash, it never had been. Max was very happy with herself. Not only had she claimed her territory in front of her enemy and given his pray a taste of something he wouldn't be able to resist, she had made it clear to Alec that there was no way she would come back to Logan (at least that's what she thought). All with one simple action she had also enjoyed quite a bit doing. What the hell, she could accept it to herself, she loved kissing him. It was all she had imagined it would be and so much more.
"Yeah.... Yeah, of course...... I understand. You were trying to protect him. Don't worry, I told you I would play along." ´Of course it was for Logan. She wouldn't kiss him for real. She didn't feel anything for him, not the kinds of feeling he would want her to feel. Wait, what was he talking about?. All he wanted from her was her friendship, that's all. Why was he having this thoughts then?. It was probably the kiss, nothing else. She was beautiful, of course her kiss would leave him all confused, but there was nothing more to it´.
"We have a problem". Everyone looked at Biggs, none of them really paying attention, too involved in their own thoughts.
"That was Mole. White captured two Xs an hour ago. They sent a team to get them but they couldn't reach them in time. They tracked them down and we have a location. I told them we were on it.".
That did it. That got everyone's attention. Soldier mode took care of their troubled minds, sending tonight's developments to the back of their heads. There would be enough time later to deal with all of it. They stood up in unison and left the bar.
Summary: Alec's interest on another girl drives Max crazy. Can she accept the reason for her jealousy?.
A/N: I have a good news for you. I have finished planning this story chapter by chapter, now all I have to do is write it. I can now say without a doubt that some of you are right on track on what's going to happen, others way off. Unfortunately, I can't tell you who is right and who is wrong, I don't want to spoil it. So you'll have to read and see.
A/N: Thanks too you all for the reviews. So many, I still can't believe it. They put a huge smile on my face. Special thanks to Rose for coming up with the chapter's title. I loved it so I used it, thank you girl. And of course, to my wonderful beta Secretly beautiful. And a special welcome to Cloudburst, I'm so glad you are enjoying the story. Your review was so great, I can't stop grinning. Unfortunately, I can't answer your questions, I would give too much away. I just hope you like what I have prepared for you when you finally read it.
Ok, thanks again to you all. You people are the best, you are a huge encouragement. Now, Enjoy!
CHAPTER 7: THE BITCH IS BACK
"Hey guys, forgot your drinks?". Max made her way to the pool table with Biggs right behind. In her hands, four glasses, Biggs holding the beer. There was a smile on her face and determination in her eyes.
Danielle send a smirk her way. "Yes, sorry about that. Got a little carried away with the game here". She chuckled. She hide it quite well, but she just couldn't help it when she saw their looks. Everyone reacted to her little joke. Max with anger, thinking about the scene she had walked into earlier. Alec, completely terrified she might let something slip about his outburst earlier. And Biggs just relaxing and having finally a little fun with the game they were playing. After all, who cared what his destiny might end up being, he was going to enjoy every bit of this. The reactions Max and Alec had were a little give away that the days to come would be some pretty interesting ones.
"Yeah. About that, it was my fault really...... I ..... yeah, well, I ......". Alec was stammering. He wanted to find a way out of this mess, before Danielle did something that could get him into trouble. Why would his reaction get him into trouble he wasn't sure. After all, what had any of this had to do with him? But the thing is, no matter how crazy it sounded, he couldn't stop feeling awkward about the situation. Like he had reacted in a compromising way to the news, no matter how hard he tried to deny it. He hide it expertly like always, but he was nervous. Even more if you considered he didn't know what the hell was wrong with him, and he was feeling like this in the presence of the same people involved in his troubled thoughts. Like always, he finally found a way out. The same way out he usually used, smart aleck comments and his Alec smirk, his best weapons. He plastered the smirk on his face and spoke.
"I mean, how can a guy be in the presence of such a beautiful lady without the need to breathe some fresh air. I guess you could say it was too hot in here for my health's sake."
While speaking, he sent an appreciative look towards Danielle. Danielle started laughing like there was no tomorrow. Biggs followed her steps. They just couldn't control themselves, it was too much even for them. They had to let go and laugh, it was too funny to do otherwise. Alec was doing their jobs without even trying. Max's face was red with anger and pain. Alec was confused looking at them like they had grown a second head or something. But Max recovered quickly and sending a death glare towards Danielle, she positioned herself strategically between the two while slapping Alec upside the head.
"Alec, we don't need to know what goes on inside that sick mind of yours". She took a pool stick from its place on the wall. "I want to play. Danielle, what do you say to some real competition? Contrary to some people, I don't have crazy hormones to worry about." She sent a glare to Alec, who just shrugged.
"Come on Maxie, don't be like that. Like you can keep your hands off of this gorgeous body of mine."
She slapped him upside the head again.
"See what I'm talking about?". His smirk was in place and Max frowned. She could never win, he always had the last word. But she was smiling on the inside. He was right, she could hardly keep away from him. It required a lot of self control and pride not to jump him right then and there. Not that she would tell him or anything. Oh no, his ego was too big already. So she just turned around with great trouble (he was looking so fine tonight) and faced Danielle waiting for her answer.
"Ok, you are on."
Max was doing her part. She was using her own weapons now, the ones she knew she had. Leaning into the table to take her shot, she gave Alec a close look at her butt in more than one occasion. When it was Danielle's turn to shoot, Max went to retreat her beer from the table at Alec's back. While doing so, leaning so close to him, she could feel his breath on her ear, and he could feel hers on his. It send shivers down their spines.
"Maxie, you looking for something?"
"Just my beer." She showed him the glass and drank from it without taking her eyes from him. Her stare was so intent, he looked away, casually, as if he was interested in Danielle's shot. But Max wasn't ready to let him off the hook yet. "Why? Is there a problem?". She asked this with the best innocent look she could manage while standing mere inches from his face.
"What? Oh nothing, just thinking." He tried to sound nonchalant, helping himself with a relaxed posture, but his eyes reflected his troubled mind.
"About?"
"I don't know, something reminded me of that saying. How does it go? Don't play with fire, you might burn yourself?" He spoke before thinking about it. Why the hell did he say that for? Except......Yeah, his joke about Danielle earlier was becoming true with Max. This place was getting increasingly hot by the second and he didn't know why Max was acting like this. The thing was, no matter the reason for her actions, they were driving him insane. His body was having all kinds of reactions to her. She was intoxicating. Her looks, her scent, her proximity. And if it was ever true that his thoughts could risk his life, this was it. Max would kill him if she found out. Not to mention Biggs, his best friend Biggs, who happened to be interested in this girl. This was making things even worse. So what was he doing? Why was he saying this things to her? Had he a death wish or something? He couldn't come up with an answer in time, for he was left in an even worst state of mind by her answer.
"I might want to."
And for the first time, Max walked away with the last word, with Alec too shocked to make any retort. ´What? What the hell does that mean?. Why does she go and say something like that? Is she trying to kill me? Yes, yes she is. She is trying to kill me. This is payback for my line earlier, it has to be. Man, she has a twisted mind.´
They played for a couple of minutes more before Danielle won the pool game. Max was too distracted by the memory of his reaction to concentrate on what she was doing. ´Yeah, she still had it. And she was so going to win this. Danielle was toast`.
They returned to the table and Biggs and Danielle went to the bar to get more drinks. Shots of tequila for everyone, courtesy of Max for losing.
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"Ok. So what do you say?"
"I think they are about to break. All they need now is a final push"
"And what do you have in mind?"
"Nothing big. Alec has the image of the two of you on his mind now to haunt him. Just sit next to her and talk to her, I'll take care of the rest."
"You are the brain of this operation. Your wish is my command, ma´am"
He gave her a mock salute and they traveled back to complete their mission. Both trying to hide the mischievous grin that threatened to appear on their lips.
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Alec had Max at his left and Danielle sitting at his right. Biggs was sitting across from Danielle and next to Max. All four at the small circular table. It was a good thing the four of them were trained to take care of multiple tasks at the same time, considering none of them were really paying attention to their respective conversations. Biggs was discussing with Max every topic he could come up with while trying to keep an eye on every single detail of the situation in front of him. He didn't want to miss a thing. Danielle was right, they were about to break. If anything was going to happen it would be tonight. Max was trying to appear interested on what Biggs was telling her while keeping an eye on the very unnerving scene across the table. Danielle's hand to be more specific. Danielle's hand on Alec's thigh. Alec, on the other hand, wasn't paying much attention to this fact, as he was too busy listening to Danielle's words while trying to suppress the feelings this words were waking inside of him and sounding casual about it. Even Danielle had her hands full working on completing the mission, while trying not to smirk and give herself away.
She leaned closer to Alec and whispered. "You see Alec, I'm right. See how he is always talking to her, trying to get her attention. When have you seen Biggs so deep in conversation with a girl before? Usually he'd be having a more intimate contact with her by now. This is love, Alec. There's no other explanation."
"Don't be naïve. She is just his friend, same as you. Besides, I don't think Max is his type anyway. He is into blondes, remember?."
But he was still uncomfortable with the idea. It could happen, Biggs could be interested in Max. She was beautiful and so full of strength. What would he do if it was true? Wait, why would he do anything? This had nothing to do with him. He would be happy for his friend. Or better yet, he would be the one to take him to the strip club when he ends up hurt and needs to cope. Cause that's so going to happen. There's no way Max shares his interest. She is into superhero cyber journalists with their exoskeletons and pre pulse wines. Yes, Biggs doesn't stand a chance against Logan. But for some reason, that didn't make him feel better either.
By his side, Max wasn't taking things any better. She had remained cool for too long, longer than expected and she was reaching her limit fast. Danielle's whispers and actions not making it any better for her either. Even more if you considered it was pretty difficult trying to listen in on their conversation with Biggs's constant yapping. No, she hadn't found out anything at all and it was driving her insane. ´Ok, that's it. I'm tired of this girl, she is going down`.
"Logan". And with a fast move and no further explanation, Max joined her lips with Alec.
His first reaction was that of puzzlement, confusion. But as he started drowning in the taste of her, he deepened the kiss and couldn't help but feel content. The feelings she was waking in him so deep he thought he was going to burst into flames right there and then. There was wanting and strong desire, but there was something deeper also, something he couldn't put a finger on it, or didn't want to. When her lips parted and gave him entrance, the world around him disappeared and all his senses could acknowledge was her. Max was drowning in him also. She knew she wanted him but she could never had imagined the feel of him, what it could do to her mind, to her soul. She had meant this kiss as a way of showing Alec what he was missing, as a way of showing Danielle she had to back off. But the second her lips came in contact with his, every coherent thought abandoned her and she was lost in him.
Across from them, the minds of this operation were having a wonderful time watching their plan develop into a successful one. I mean, how could any of them come up with an excuse that could explain that kiss. There was no way out of this one. So now Alec and Max would have to accept the obvious, that there was more to their constant fighting and picking on each other. They would have to make peace with that fact, a fact that was so obvious to everyone except for them. However, one could say that Biggs and Danielle didn't live up to their high IQs or didn't know their friends very well, if they dared made that assumption. After all, this is them we are talking about. There is always an excuse for denial with them.
Everyone was brought out from their reverie when a cell phone started ringing. Although it took longer for Alec and Max to acknowledge this sound. They were a tiny bit distracted with other issues at the time. It took Biggs loud voice to take them out of their current actions. "Is someone going to get that?". But even that wasn't enough. They might have broken the kiss, but none of them made any effort to answer Alec's phone. They stayed there staring at each other right in the eyes, afraid to move or speak. They wanted to cherish the moment, but at the same time they were too afraid to face the consequences. So they stayed there wishing time to stop for ever. It wasn't until Alec's phone stopped and Biggs's started ringing, that they finally broke eye contact. Biggs answered his cell while Max tried to explain her actions.
"I.... I'm sorry. I thought I saw Logan entering Crash and I freaked out. We are supposed to be together, so I assumed that if he saw us maybe he would finally get the fact that it's all over between him and me. I wasn't thinking, I shouldn't have done that, I'm sorry". ´Yeah right. I can't believe he is buying this crap. I'm a better liar than I thought`. As you can imagine there was no Logan at Crash, it never had been. Max was very happy with herself. Not only had she claimed her territory in front of her enemy and given his pray a taste of something he wouldn't be able to resist, she had made it clear to Alec that there was no way she would come back to Logan (at least that's what she thought). All with one simple action she had also enjoyed quite a bit doing. What the hell, she could accept it to herself, she loved kissing him. It was all she had imagined it would be and so much more.
"Yeah.... Yeah, of course...... I understand. You were trying to protect him. Don't worry, I told you I would play along." ´Of course it was for Logan. She wouldn't kiss him for real. She didn't feel anything for him, not the kinds of feeling he would want her to feel. Wait, what was he talking about?. All he wanted from her was her friendship, that's all. Why was he having this thoughts then?. It was probably the kiss, nothing else. She was beautiful, of course her kiss would leave him all confused, but there was nothing more to it´.
"We have a problem". Everyone looked at Biggs, none of them really paying attention, too involved in their own thoughts.
"That was Mole. White captured two Xs an hour ago. They sent a team to get them but they couldn't reach them in time. They tracked them down and we have a location. I told them we were on it.".
That did it. That got everyone's attention. Soldier mode took care of their troubled minds, sending tonight's developments to the back of their heads. There would be enough time later to deal with all of it. They stood up in unison and left the bar.