Confide In Me

A/N: Okay well here's the updated version of chapter 2! Thanks to all those who have read and/or reviewed! I'm now done with chapter 3, all I have to do is upload it.

Chapter Two: Ignition

Previously

Shrugging, not knowing where he was going with this, he said, "Max kept saying his name. He's her boyfriend right?"

"Sam's dead," she said almost in a whisper, not looking directly into his eyes.

"I'm sorry," Alec said quietly, lowering his head in remorse.

Ugh, he thought to himself. Nice job, you idiot. Bringing up a dead person like that, smart, Alec, smart.

Jill sighed. "No, I'm sorry for just dropping it on you. You just caught me off guard 'cause Max doesn't usually talk about Sam."

There was a brief moment of silence but it was interrupted when they heard a plea for help.

"Hey stranger, you wanna help me bring sleepy here to her room?" Kahlan called a few feet away, struggling to hold Max upright.

More than eager to, actually.

"Umm…yeah, sure." He feigned confusion and a little unwillingness in his voice.

Kahlan smiled as she watched Alec gently take Max from away from her. Slipping an arm under her knees and the other under her back, he lifted her up, and approached the room pointed out by the blue-eyed girl.

But before Alec could even take a step forward, Max mumbled something, "Put me down. I can walk by myself." She tapped his arm lightly, communicating that she wanted to be placed back on the ground.

"Oh please, you're practically sleeptalking. You don't have to be embarrassed. I mean, it's not like I'm carrying a hippo," he said in a kidding tone. Because honestly, she didn't weigh much and he found himself liking the warmth that derived from her body.

"Kahlan, why'd ya let him carry me?" she whined cutely, her voice level weakening with every word she said. She scowled angrily and it was directed at Kahlan.

Hurt by the comment, Alec searched Kahlan's soft blue eyes for permission, unsure if he should continue his visit to Max's room.

Kahlan grinned, seeing his reaction to her friend's deceitful response. "Sorry Max, you were practically asleep, more or less dead, and I didn't wanna have to drag you all the way to your room. Besides, why be dragged when you can be carried."

Max recognized the voice she was using. It was the feigned apologetic voice used when they intentionally did something to make the other person mad.

Unbelievable! She did this on purpose!

Max felt her temper rising, but it was ultimately overpowered by the wave of exhaustion and dizziness that passed through her body. Her eyelids began feeling like an unbearable weight, one she could no longer hold, so she succumbed to the darkness and let herself, for once, be comforted. For what seemed to be too short, she felt like she was sleeping on clouds, but in less than a minute the gratifying sensation had vanished, and she returned back to Earth. Unknowingly, she even whimpered softly from the loss of contact as strong arms gently laid her down on her bed.

"I think she liked cuddling you," Kahlan teased from the doorway, startling Alec as he paused to stand over Max, like her own personal angel.

I wish, he thought.

Alec smirked, never taking his eyes off of Max. "I wouldn't get my hopes up."

Giggling, Kahlan moved away from the doorway and stood beside Alec; next to him, she looked short, almost a head shorter than he was. She crossed her arms and looked up at the man gazing at her friend. As if just by watching him, she could unveil all the mysteries there were to this stranger.

The man had stubble, in a shade that matched his hair color, trailing along his taut jaw line, and soft, dirty blonde hair that relaxed messily on top of his head. But there was one attribute that this stranger had that could make most girls fall for him. His eyes shined brightly, because behind them, they were ignited with passion, but unlike most guys, there was also sincerity and tenderness. Just by his physiognomy, Kahlan could tell that this man standing before her was the perfect man that most women searched for, but also the rare man that some women never find.

He continued to stare at Max, his gaze perpetual, and his eyes focused on the beauty lying before him.

Their soundless moment was interrupted when Jill came through the door, holding a cup of coffee in her hands. She looked up at the tall stranger who had his eyes fixated on Max, then at Kahlan who flashed her mischievous trademark grin, and then back at the stranger.

Jill cleared her throat, attempting to get Alec's attention without actually verbally disrupting the moment. She felt bad for him, considering that he almost hit the ceiling when he heard the unexpected noise. Kahlan snickered quietly, earning her a second glare from her friends today.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I just came in here to bring you some coffee," Jill said quietly, afraid that she might startle the guest again or wake Max up.

"He's really jumpy for such a big guy," Kahlan murmured quietly, in return receiving a hard nudge from Jill.

Alec, not hearing Kahlan's insult, turned around and saw the hot, steaming cup of coffee and smiled. "Thank you, I really appreciate it. I don't how I'd be able to get back home without this," he said, taking the warm cup of caffeine that was offered generously to him into his own hands, finally being warmed again.

Kahlan's face brightened, as if she had an epiphany or God had somehow managed to communicate with her. "I have an idea. Why doesn't Mr. Handsome here, stay for the night. I'm sure our Max would love to see her knight in shining armor in the morning."

Alec's face expression became unsure. "What if I'm not a good guy? I could be Freddy Krueger's son. I mean, how do you know you can trust me?"

Sneering, Kahlan said, "I'm already assured that you're not Freddy Krueger's son just by you saying that."

Jill nudged her in the gut again. "I'm sure you're a nice guy. Anyone who brought Max back safely without touching her or taking advantage of her is a nice guy."

Have they not noticed that she's in a pair of boxers and wearing a guy's t-shirt?

"B-but she's in boxers," Alec stammered nervously, scratching the back of his head roughly, stating the last piece of defense he held. He prayed that him being honest wouldn't cost him his life.

"You wouldn't have taken her back if you took advantage of her," Jill counter-argued, impatiently crossing her arms.

"Plus she wouldn't have let you touch her again if you…you know," Kahlan added.

Running out of reasons, the stubborn-headed Alec gave in and agreed to stay the night. In fact, he had a strange feeling in him that compelled him to do so. Of course, he wouldn't be able to watch Max sleep again. He would have to sleep on the couch tonight, but he realized he'd much rather stay here than fall asleep driving in the rain at two in the morning. Besides, it was confirmedthat he'd see his Dancer another day.

Alec was awakened the next morning by the bright, orange sunlight shining against his face, considering that one window spanned the whole living room. It was only five in the morning and the sun was just rising far in the horizon. Trying to sleep was useless anyways, as a result of him taking in a cup of espresso just barely three hours ago. He wanted to fall asleep because during the night he was restless and found himself staring at the closed door of his Dancer, having an urge to get up and go check up on her, but not being able to form the courage he had needed.

So, without getting up, he gave himself his own "eye" tour of the apartment. Looking around, he concluded that they were well-off, and that one of them was a certified neat freak, because he couldn't find one area that contained a mess.

Hearing a door open, he closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep. Then, he heard footsteps and didn't realize who it was until he heard the familiar yawn he had heard the night before. Slightly opening one eye and with the help of elevation provided by the arm of the couch upon which his head rested, he was able to see his Dancer carrying a towel and clothes in her arm. Alec was glad to see her again.

Another door closed and he presumed it to be to the bathroom. Then, he heard the shower turn on, and closed his eyes to the relaxing sound.

In a few minutes, however, unable to handle the knot growing in his back, Alec stood up to stretch. He turned around to look at the window, giving him a perfect view of Seattle's Space Needle, and when he turned back around, he was given another view of perfection.

In nothing but her lacy black panties and a matching bra, with drops of cool water glimmering on her tan skin, and her long, wet hair tied in a disheveled bun, Max's beauty could be easily compared to that of a Greek goddess's. Hell, to Alec, she was a goddess.

But when her head turned his way, when hazel eyes met brown ones, Alec was awakened from his trance. The brown eyes dilated while the hazel ones shut tight. Max's face illustrated shock as her mouth turned into a silent "O".

Once falling out of her daze, she ducked behind the table, attempting to hide from the unwanted spectator.

Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, Max recited, what the hell is he still doing here?

Oh shit, Alec thought, she totally saw me staring at her. What the hell was I thinking!

Get it together, Max. Take a deep breath and calmly take control out of this situation.

"What's going on in here?" Jill asked, stepping out of her room and rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

"What the hell is he still doing here?" Max exclaimed angrily, still crouched down by the table, pointing at Alec accusingly.

"We asked him to stay the night. He saved you, Max. It's the least we could've done," Jill replied calmly.

"Hey what's all the commo—" Kahlan began, coming out of her room, but burst into laughter as soon as she saw the situation Max was in. "Come on out, Max. You've got nothing to hide. Besides he's not even looking."

"Jill?" Max asked meekly.

"She's telling the truth, Max." Jill reassured.

Max stood up and darted towards her room.

Smiling at Alec's consideration to close his eyes, Jill decided to give the guy a break. "She's gone now, it's safe to open your eyes…umm…" she said, pausing because she realized that she didn't know his name.

"Alec," he finished, carefully opening his eyes.

"Stay for breakfast, Alec," said Kahlan walking to the kitchen. "We'll protect you from the scary lady."

Alec chuckled, and because of his empty stomach, he decided to stay.

"Here ya go, big guy," Kahlan said cheerfully, giving him a plate that surprisingly held an overstuffed omelet and hash browns.

"Thanks," Alec said gratefully, feeling the emptiness in his stomach, as it growled hungrily.

Max glared at him from across the table, giving him a disgusted look as he cut into his omelet. He had smile on his face that spanned from ear to ear as he devoured it hastily. "All men are pigs," she muttered under her breath, her words having multiple meanings.

Stopping, Alec raised his head to meet her eyes, the eyes that were once hazy now glaring at him in disgust. His grateful smile immediately faded.

Feeling sympathy for Alec, Kahlan decided to take things into her own hands. "Don't be jealous, Max. You'll get yours, too."

After that brief moment of embarrassment, Alec slowed down his eating pace.

"So, what do you for a living, Alec?" Jill asked, taking a bite of her omelet.

"I'm taking my internship now for my doctorate," he said casually, as if being a doctor was no big deal.

"Mmm, smart and sexy," Kahlan said to herself in the kitchen, preparing the omelet for an impatient Max.

"Really? What hospital are you interning at?" Jill asked with an intrigued expression on her face.

Max scoffed in disgust.

"At Harbor Lights," he said, and then stuffed a mouthful of the loaded omelet in his mouth like an ordinary hungry man would do. What he didn't notice was Max's eyes widening.

Jill looked at Max with her jaw dropped and eyes wide. Max was suddenly giving her a deadly look, shaking her head as she mouthed "no."

"What a coincidence! Max's dad is the Chief Surgeon there," the green-eyed girl said, her eyes flashing as if she had been hit with an idea.

Alec looked up at Jill then at Max, his mouth still slightly full with the omelet. He swallowed hard, eyes still locked on Max's.

"She's lying," Max said nervously, hoping that he would take the bait.

The hazel eyes met green ones. "No, I'm not, Max. And I have Kahlan here for proof," Jill countered, looking up at her witness who was walking back from the kitchen.

"Are you kidding? Max's dad was the one who taught the three of us medical terms when we were, like, eight," said Kahlan, handing Max her breakfast.

Max hid her face in her arms. "Thanks, guys."

"So have you met him?" Jill asked curiously, ignoring her friend's agony.

"Mr. Montgomery? Yes, he invited me over for dinner on Friday to meet his daught—", Alec began, but stopped when he realized what he was saying. God, I wish my brain was active in the morning. "Oh."

"You've got to be kidding me," Max groaned, loud enough to be heard through the barrier she formed with her arms.

Kahlan raised an eyebrow as she finally sat down in a chair, "Max's dad only invites men who he thinks are worthy enough for his prize possession."

"Who he thinks are worthy," Max said through clenched teeth, emphasizing the word "he."

"Why do you have to be so rude to him, Max?" Jill scolded.

"If you like him so much, you can have him! Because there's not a chance in hell that I'm going out with him anyways!" Max yelled angrily, storming to her room because she knew she couldn't prevent the tears threatening to fall.

Three days later…

The doorbell rang.

Max knew who would be stepping in through the doorway as soon as she opened it. What she didn't expect was for him to be in a black tuxedo holding roses in one hand and champagne in the other.

"Hi," he said softly, looking up into her familiar brown eyes.

He wasn't the only one dressed formally. Her dress color harmonized his tuxedo, fitting her perfectly, accentuating her curves. It reached just above her knees and Alec had to use all of his good judgment not to smile at her perfect body.

"Hey," she answered in a voice equal to his. She, too, was taking in the perfection of the person standing parallel to her.

Managing to find his voice, he said, "I brought you flowers." He was staring at his shoes when he said this and was so movie-like that it had Max giggling.

Alec lifted his head and smiled. Maybe this was finally the icebreaker.

"Thank you," she said, taking them into her own hands. Max suddenly felt a couple degrees hotter and could almost feel herself blushing.

Thankfully, it was interrupted when they heard a voice from behind. "Well, I see you've met my Golden Boy."

Max smiled at the name because it fit the man standing in front of her perfectly.

"Come on in, Alec, she won't bite. Right, Maxie?" the deep voice asked.

Max nodded and gestured for Alec to come in.

"How do you like the salmon, Alec?" asked the woman sitting next to Max's father. "Max made it herself."

"It's excellent, Mrs. Montgomery," he said, trying to conceal the burning fire that was now scorching his taste buds. Through his pain, he felt an antidote. Under the table Max had placed her hand on his knee, squeezing it gently. He looked at her, her face apologetic and rueful. He figured that she must have had something to do with the fiery sensation in his mouth.

"If you'll excuse me, sir, would you please tell me the way to your restroom?" Alec asked, unable to withstand the pain.

"I'll show him," Max said out of nowhere.

The two of them stood up and Max showed him the way to their bathroom. She stopped him when they were in front of the door.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I was still angry about what happened at my place. Even though, I had no reason to be in the first place."

Alec smiled. "It's okay. I've been through worse." He sucked in a deep breath, trying to cool the heat in his mouth.

"Is there anything I can do to make it up to you? I'll do anything," Max offered out of desperation.

Alec cocked his head to the side and raised his eyebrows curiously. "Anything?"

Max nodded, unaware of what he really wanted.

"I want another chance."

"What?" Max had no idea what he meant by "another chance."

"I think you judged me too quick. I want to show you that I'm not the bad guy."

"You're serious?" Max asked, crossing her arms.

"Yeah," Alec answered simply.

The next thing he knew, her lips were on his, nibbling on his bottom lip demanding for more access. He opened his mouth freely and let her have what she wanted. Her arms wrapped around his neck, closing the space between them as his hands tangled themselves in her soft brown hair. Alec never thought he'd want anyone this badly. She pressed her lower body against his and received a moan in her mouth in response. Almost cruelly, Max pulled away from him. He blinked, noticing that her little "treatment" had extinguished the fire in his mouth, her sweet taste cancelling out the heat.

"What was that for?" he asked, stopping her as she was walking away.

"I was just giving you a taste of something you will never have," she said, her voice husky and dangerous, only making Alec want her even more.

She wiped her mouth and Alec watched as his goddess seductively walked away, her hips swaying with every step she took. He felt dizzy and very confused from the events that took place just moments ago.

It was like gas being poured onto an open flame. Alec's desire for Max only grew stronger…

And so the fire was ignited...

A/N: Yup, that's chapter 2! Hope ya liked it :D haha okay well chapter 3 is ready but I think I'm gonna read over it again first!

Warning: Next chapter may contain fluff, fluff, and more fluffines!