Hey guys! Here is a chapter to OFR. It has a bit more Zach and Cammie, though their relationship is kind of strained. A first appearance made by Justine Martin.

This is sort of like, my late Christmas, early New Years present to you guys. I was planning to upload Suriving Love Ch. 3 but I didn't finish writing it. So, instead, I wrote this one. So Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years. I hope you guys get what you wanted. And have a great year, fresh start, clean slate.

Xoxo, Christina.

P.S. You know what would be an awesome present from you guys to me? If you guys...reviewed...:)

Deals

Cammie's P.O.V.:

I didn't know what was going on out there but I can hear it happening. Bex's cold, hard retorts, Macey's furious, fast insults, and Zach's insistent need to explain. I tried to tune them out, tune out their unyielding argument but it's so damn hard. It doesn't matter if I covered my ears, closed my eyes tightly, or locked myself in the bathroom, his voice always come to me, soft and gentle. A few tears escaped my tightly shut lids and I didn't bothered to wipe them away. Why should I? Erasing the drops would mean I'm unfazed by his rejection and I'm not. The blow hit me hard and shattered my mending heart back to a million pieces, broken beyond repair.

Only Liz stayed, her tiny arms circled loosely around my shoulders, providing space yet emanating comfort. I leaned into her and she sighed, patting my flat hair. She whispered cliché lines, though it didn't accomplish anything, I still felt a slight bit more cheerful. Slight.

The volumes increased, almost painfully until I felt like they could be heard all over Blackthorne. I contemplated on whether I should intervene and stop it from accelerating any further or just let Bex and Macey handled Zach. The urge to stand up for myself won over and I said to Liz, "I need to end this."

She gave me a look filled with concern and disappointment, clearly disapproved of my decision to take matters into my own hands. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah." I breathed, standing up, wobbling a bit before Liz's hands shot out and steadied me. "Thanks." I smiled, overwhelmed by my gratitude for my three best friends. I didn't know what I'd do without them. I walked slowly, almost appallingly, over to the front hall, a couple of steps further and I'd be in direct view of the scene unfolding. I clenched my hands, feeling renewed and confident before striding the last steps and planted myself a few feet behind the barrier that consist of Macey and Bex. The two girls inched together tighter to blocked Zach's view of me.

But it was no use.

He'd already saw me.

Already making his way through Bex and Macey, just barely crossing the threshold before they intercepted him.

I shook my head in a lame attempt to stop him in his tracks. Actions speak louder than words, that quote had never meant anything to me, until now, when I saw a hurt flashed across his features and he stopped moving, stopped struggling, staying in front of my bodyguards. Well within hearing range but not touch.

"Cam, let me explain." He pleaded, eyes begging me to understand, begging me to listen.

I stepped forward, touching my two friends' shoulder and an unspoken message passed between the touch. They loosened the barrier, choosing instead, to stand behind me, serving as backup. "There's nothing you can explain." I whispered, hating that my voice sounded so broken and hollow. I cleared my throat, trying desperately to clear the lump rising but it's no use. It's lodged tightly.

"You need to understand that I didn't do it on purpose!" He stepped forward and so did Macey and Bex. Holding out his hand in an I-surrender pose, he stayed where he was.

My eyes hardened, not believing one words that was escaping those lips. I turned my head, refusing to even look at him. "I somehow doubt that, Zach." I finally murmured, still adverting my eyes.

"Cammie, give me another chance." He begged, eyes shining with unshed tears. It was all for show. Zachary Goode doesn't cry. He doesn't show weakness. He doesn't beg for forgiveness or second chances.

I clenched my hands into fists at my sides. If he really thinks he's getting another chance after the living hell he'd put me through, he's sadly mistaken. "No. No more second chances." Then I stride up to the door, slammed the door shut with a bang, not wanting to see his face anymore. I leaned against the surface and sighed loudly while he pounded his fist insistently, demanding I open up and let him explain.

I looked at my three best friends, Liz had wandered over, and I couldn't hold in my tears. The events of the past three hours rushed up to meet me and I realized that the Zach I knew was gone. He wasn't this person. Wasn't as heartless and scandalous. They all crushed me into a hug while I sobbed pathetically. Spy trainings may have taught me to detect a bomb miles away but they haven't taught me how to handle breakups. That,unfortunately, I had to learn on my own. And it was a lesson I won't ever forget. "I think that was the hardest thing I'd ever done." I croaked hoarsely, wiping my nose on my sleeves.

Macey hugged me individually, crooning softly in my ear. "We know, but–"

"– we're so proud of you." Bex and Liz chimed, each stepping up to comfort me.

I smiled through the haze, an aftereffect of the rejection and the confidence to say no. It felt surreal. And unrealistic. Determination and confidence like that when it comes to any guys, much less Zach, seemed unattainable to me. But seeing him like that, so messed up and distressed, shattered my illusion of him. To me, he would always be the sensitive guy from now on. Whenever I looked at him, his bad-boy edge, vague nature vanished.

"I'm proud of me too." I murmured, laughing in bits, tears slowing receding until only the stains on my cheeks gave any proof that they were there at all.

…

I was dreading the next day, and the next and the next. Pretty much any days that concerned Zach and his 'soon-to-be bride'. I shuffled down to breakfast, in only shorts and an old t-shirt, not caring if I looked disgusting. I just said no to the guy that lead me on for five years, I felt like crap, and my hair looked dreadful, I think I deserved to look disgusting.

Bex slid in beside me on the bench, wiping a glossy red apple on her sleeve. "I heard something that you wouldn't particularly like." She said nonchalantly.

I shrugged, forking a bite of scrambled eggs in my mouth. "Be vague." I insisted.

"It involves he-who-shall-not-be-named." She whispered lowly.

I chuckled at the vague-enough answer. "You can say his name." I told her, adverting my eyes as Grant, Jonas, and Jason walked past, giving me pity looks. I scowled at my plates. No doubt Zach came in sulking and the guys beat the answers out of him.

"Well, I've been told that Justine Martin," She gave heavy emphasis on the false name. "is coming here. To Blackthorne. To see her," Her voice turned acidity and sarcastic. "husband."

"I wish you'd let it go." I sighed, knowing full well my wishes won't be abide.

She laughed. "I don't think so."

I frowned, suddenly very off in my thoughts. "Why would she come here? I mean, that only gives her a better chance to locate the Crest." I didn't realized I had spoken out loud until Macey answered, sliding in across from us.

"Wedding details." She murmured, spearing her sausage with her fork. "Or so I heard."

"No, no, that can't be it." I shook my head.

"They're keeping a close eye on the girl. When she comes, Blackthorne's Seniors will each be stationed a surveillance point. Extra cameras are installed. Every move she makes, we'll be alerted." A voice informed us.

Macey glanced up and her lips curled into a devilish smile. I didn't need anymore hints to know who had just spoken. There could only be one guy who could solicit such a reaction from Macey. Jason.

He plopped himself down next to Macey, which caused her smile to widen. Snatching her unopened cartoon of Apple juice, he took a long swig, crumpled the container and shot it in the trashcan. "Hey!" Macey protested. "That was mine."

Jason patted his stomach, smiling down at her amusingly. "Want it back?"

"Uh – kinda." Macey replied.

He shrugged. "Alright. Wait a week. It would come out. Considering if you still want it, if you enjoy Apple juice in the form of urine anyways."

She pushed him, smile transforming into a sneer of disgust. "You are just horrible."

"Oh – I know." He grinned cockily at her and she pushed her tongue between her lips, taunting him.

"Save the flirt-fest for another time." Bex ordered, turning back to Jason, business as usual. "Why would they risk it though?"

He leaned forward. "They need to know more about her. We have the basics. Real name, birthday, alias, etc. That's where you girls come in. Zach will distract her and give her a tour, keeping her away from the vault where the Crest is kept. In the meantime, you'll search her rooms for anything that might help us."

"Is this our assignment?" Liz cried, smiling from ear-to-ear. I didn't hear her come so I jumped, startled until she grinned sheepishly and I placed a hand on my chest to steady my pulsating heart. I shot her a you are so getting it later look and turned back to Jason, eager for an answer.

"Yeah. Dr. Steve told me to tell you guys." He glanced around, noticing that all his peers went silent, staring at our table, and rolled his eyes. "It's like they never seen female species before." He mumbled, standing up, giving us a small smile then erupted into loud laughter,"Ha-ha! You are so funny!" before stalking away.

I stared at his back, a bemused smile lighting up my face. I rolled my eyes. "You heard the man, eat up and let's get this thing started." I said, urging them to finish their breakfast so we can start our mission, so we can be done with this and leave Blackthorne and hopefully, never to return.

The prospect of meeting Justine Martin dimmed my appetite and I found myself throwing my tray away, foods untouched, and following the girls to the doors, stomach churning, wishing I'd stayed in bed.

…

"Zachey!" Justine Martin squealed and launched herself into Zach's outstretched arms. He crushed her to his chest and placed his chin on top of her head.

Macey growled lowly, "Stupid ass."

I diverted my stares, not wanting him to catch me looking at their embrace with a wistful frown on my face. My heart thumped erratically and I breathed in and out, in an out, in a desperate attempt to calm it down, positive my traitorous heart can be heard over the murmurs of our small gathering.

They pulled back, but clasped their fingers together and smiled hugely.

My stomach dipped and I felt like fainting. My vision blurred and I swayed, gripping Macey's arm and steadying myself. She gave me one are-you-okay look. I nodded weakly. Bile rose up my throat and I swallowed hard, forcing it back down. I repeated the same actions twice. Breathe, dipped, swayed, swallowed.

Introductions were made and when Justine opened her arms for a hug, I gingerly stepped in their range, barely touching her. I faked a smile, heart drooping with disappointment when I saw that she's gorgeous. Even if she does have a fake name, her appearance must be real. She wouldn't go as far as to mask her real phenotype, would she? I automatically knew that she would. If she did, however, she really went for it. Long, flowing, brown chestnut hair. Bright, red lips. Shining blue eyes. Petite frame and long, tan legs peeked out from her blue denim shorts. "Hi." I greeted curtly, working hard to keep the venom from my voice.

She didn't seem to notice though because she smiled brightly, showing off her straight, blinding white teeth. "Hey, I'm Justine."

"Cameron." I replied stiffly, dismissing my idea to give the girl a fake name.

"Nice to meet you."

"Likewise." I nodded and wobbled a little as I stepped backward, completing the line my friends made.

I saw Zach's eyes darkened with concern and sadness. I didn't look at him. It would hurt. Too much.

Luckily, Jonas spoke up, putting his hand lightly on Justine's shoulder and directing his question to Zach. "Maybe you should show her around?"

"Good idea." Zach nodded gratefully, bumping fists with Jason, Jonas and Grant before pulling Justine away, chattering excitedly. "You're gonna love this tour!"

Macey rolled her eyes, stride up to the three boys and barked, "Imbeciles!"

"What did we do?" Jason grunted, waving a hey.

"Not you!" She snapped. "That idiot over there!"

Grant turned to me, ignoring their jibs. "What happened between you two? Last time I heard, you guys were all over each other, making out and stuff."

My throat closed up at the memory and I clamped down on my lips, refusing exit to a heart-wracking sob. I just shook my head, eyes watering slightly. Grant's brown spheres widened and he got the message, pulling me in a hug and murmuring, "I'm sure whatever he did, he didn't mean to."

Whatever.

…

"You guys keep searching, I'm gonna go use the restroom." I said to the girls. When they nodded their consent, I slipped through the doors to Justine's room and into the hall. I breathed out wearily. So far, we had no luck. We found nothing except the essentials: clothing, shoes, makeup, wedding planners, and a spare key.

I wandered aimlessly, original destination was the restrooms, but my feet had other ideas. Soon, I found myself standing in front of a huge portrait of a man, dressed in the old-fashioned military uniform, carrying a pistol. His eyes seemed to follow me as I walked around and around, inspecting every little details. The nameplate read: Jacob K. Blackthorne.

I didn't know why my feet brought my here but I reckoned it must be important. My instincts were usually never wrong. What was so special about this portrait?

"Oh, hi! What are you doing here?" Justine's voice jarred me from my internal reverie and I spun until I met her eyes. I was stunned. In her brown orbs, there was no trace, not a fraction of an inch, of warmth that I had become familiarized with earlier. Instead, a projection of coldness and brusqueness emanated from them.

"Uh, just looking." I shrugged, trying to composed my cool. But I felt my demeanor slipping until a look similar to her own creep onto my face. "What are you doing here? Where's Zach?"

"Let's cut to the chase." She stepped closer, putting her face inches from mine. I felt her cool breath on my cheeks and I flinched inwardly. "You know who I am."

"Of course I do." I replied smoothly, giving nothing away. "You're Justine Martin. We were introduced." I decided to go with blank innocence. That seemed like the best way to approach the situation, yet it might prod some answers out of her.

"Not that." She snapped, leaning in even closer. "You know that it's just a legend, don't you?"

I didn't confirmed it, nor did I denied it. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You're really pushing your luck, aren't you, Cameron Morgan?" She sneered my name as if it was acid on her tongue.

I repeated what I said. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"But I know you do." She circled me, like a predator stalking its prey. "You like deals right? Let's negotiate. Hm?"

My face remained impassive, unfazed. I had to admit, I was slightly intrigued. Then I mentally kicked myself because I knew this negotiation would lead to Gallagher and Blackthorne's demise. I didn't answer, just stood there with a faraway look in my eyes.

"You must really miss your father. I heard he's missing." She grinned when my eyes snapped towards her, meeting her gaze with a fierce glare of my own. "Ah, that solicited a reaction from you. Good to know."

"He's dead." I snapped.

"Oh?" Justine cocked her head to the side, tongue rolling out of her mouth like a dog. "Is he?" She wrapped a strand of my hair around her index finger and tugged lightly. "Someone once said, 'Someone knows.'" She raised a brow. "Haven't you heard that line before?"

I did. From Zach.

"How about that deal, hm? You give me the Blackthorne's Crest and I'll lead you to your father, who's still alive."

"You're lying." I hated that my voice shook, that it sounded so weak.

"Am I?" She tapped her wristwatch. "Time's a'wastin'."

When I didn't answer, didn't do anything, she prodded with another question, "Deal or no deal?"