It was only a few days later when Chloe realized absolutely nothing was going as planned. After they found out about Zane, Alek pulled away from her and Jasmine stayed in her room. Valentina was busy making arrangements for Zane. He left a day later and Chloe had no idea where he left to.
Chloe would either be sitting in the main room or in her bedroom, and either Jasmine or Alek or would come along, but leave a second later. She couldn't help it. She started blaming herself for Zane being a spy for The Order because it was most likely her he had to be watching anyways. She tried knocking on Jasmine's door, but she would ignore it. But it's not like they were ever extremely close anyways.
She tried talking to Alek, too. Especially since they laid next to each other every night. He didn't ignore her, exactly, but he was definitely putting on an act. He would act like everything was okay and put on a smile (or smirk in his case), but Chloe saw the distant look. How his voice no longer held that teasing tone that is usually did with her. It was making her sick to see her friends like this. Valentina called off most of the meetings with prides and such until things were straightened out again.
Chloe didn't know what she could do to cheer everyone up, but she wasn't sure if there was anything she could do. She started with Alek figuring that if there was a way to get him back up and running, he could help with Jasmine easily. Chloe had woken up early and found Alek asleep still, his bare back facing her. She got up and got herself dressed and even made breakfast that she laid out on the table before going back to her and Alek's room, seeing him now splayed across the bed. His left arm was right where she would be if she were still asleep.
She walked over to the bed and sat on her side, placing a hand on his shoulder blade. His skin was warm. "Alek," She nudged him, saying his name. She repeated it when he didn't react and he let out a small groan. She smiled. Chloe squeezed his shoulder and he looked over at her, eyes narrowed with being half asleep still.
"What's up?" he asked, and Chloe ignored the small chill that ran down her spine from his rough morning voice.
"I made food and I'm pretty sure it's edible." She joked, hoping to get something out of him. He gave a tired grin and pushed himself from the bed, turning his body over so he could sit up. Alek's hair was messy, the left side slightly sticking to his head. "Are you hungry then?"
He gave her a quick glance before looking looking back down at the blanket stretched across him. "Not too much," he said. Chloe's hopes dropped a bit, but she kept her face light. She gave a small smile.
"Yeah, I guess I wouldn't want my cooking either." She laughed and stood up before exiting the room. Then she let her smile drop. Well, plan A was a bust. She sighed before putting the stuff in containers. No reason to throw it out. After everything accept the eggs - yes, she'd even made eggs - was in the fridge, she saw Alek come out of the hall. He gave her a smile, something resembling an apology shining through. He saw the table and the smile became a frown.
"Am I too late for my last meal?" Alek joked, and Chloe gave him a smile. A real one this time.
"No! No, of course not. Let me just grab it. Once I realized no one was really gonna eat it I put it away." She opened up the fridge again and started pulling the plastic containers - only three of them - out and placing them on the table. She looked at Alek who was grabbing two glasses from the cabinet and he slid past her to grab the carton of orange juice.
It wasn't until that moment did Chloe even realize that he still wasn't wearing a shirt. Her whole face flushed and she turned around, almost falling in the process, placing her hands on the counter. She gripped it tight. Alek sat down on the other side of the island and started putting some food on his plate. They both stayed silent.
Within the first bite, Chloe was holding back too many laughs that sooner turned into giggles. His face was priceless and he chewed and swallowed, Chloe almost choked from laughing so hard. He pushed his plate away from him a bit and cracked a grin.
"So I guess you won't be the one cooking in the near future." He said with a satisfied look. That made her laugh harder and pretty soon, she was practically falling to her knees. Alek fought a smile and rolled his eyes a bit before getting up and emptying out the containers. By the time he was finished Chloe was standing again, but wiping off her eyes and removing the small tears that had fallen. "Have a fun time?"
Chloe smiled at him, eyes shining a bit brighter than before. Alek noticed. "Yes, actually. Maybe you should try laughing sometime." She tried him and her smile became a teasing smirk. Her face turned serious in a flash and Alek cocked a brow. "We need to work on a plan to get Jasmine up and running again."
"And why is that?" he asked, resting his hip on the marble edge. Chloe gave a sigh, wondering if he was really that oblivious.
"Since everything happened the other day, she's been hauled up in her room." She paused as he gave a thoughtful look. "Please don't tell me you haven't noticed."
"Can't say I have, but I've been hauled up in my own room if you catch my drift." He gave a sorry smile before reaching for her. She flinched away quickly before realizing he was only reaching for his glass of juice he poured earlier. He raised his eyebrow again, giving her a knowing look as he drank from his cup. She narrowed her eyes. He knew what he did. "Jasmine's not gonna like that, you know. She won't appreciate it if you try to force her."
Chloe gave it a thought or two, running across an angry Jasmine in her mind. She grimaced before looking back up at Alek. He was staring at her, too. "Yeah, yeah, you're right. I just feel bad, I guess." She shrugged and her teeth caught her bottom lip. Chloe's fingers tapped at the table before turning around and grabbing the empty containers, tossing them in the sink. The rinsed them off before putting them into the dishwasher. When she turned around, Alek was gone. She shook her head.
With nothing better to do, she found herself sitting on the bed comfortably with a blanket and laptop across her lap. She was searching some things, checking some things. When it came to her email, she couldn't help but be a little nervous. Those few messages from her father had her shaken up and she tried her best to just avoid that one completely. At the same time, she had a curious mind and wanted to know if maybe - just maybe - her father knew about what she really was, her past, her true self. If he knew, there was always the chance that he was Mai too.
But then she remembered that she was adopted. It's not like her father being Mai was very logical. If he was Mai, then there was a very good chance that something other than just a not-so-legal adoption went on in Ukraine. Maybe he knew what she was, because he was one himself, and he was just trying to protect her. Maybe that was why he brought her here, so she could try to live a normal life. That was, until he disappeared. As Chloe thought about it, maybe he "disappeared" because he was protecting Chloe. Wouldn't her mom love that one. Chloe's mouth tugged down.
She ran a hand over her face with a sigh and typed in the URL to her email a few letters in before hitting enter. She had a few emails, mostly spam or those music sites she signed up for. Nothing from that mysterious father of hers. She let out a small breath she didn't realize she was holding. She did some more surfing of the internet and checked out a few songs she'd never heard of. After a while, she got bored. She would think a moment of relaxing is something to be thankful for, but in all honesty, she felt restless.
Alek still hadn't come back from wherever he went, most likely to talk to Valentina or something, and she had no clue what to do now. She went on another site and a few more before deciding to check out Netflix. She checked a few things out on her list, but nothing seemed very interesting to do. She searched some more until she came across The X-Files. It was an older show, yes, but what person really hasn't seen it? Especially someone who believed other things were out there. And she probably only believed that because she was one of those other things herself.
Anyhow, she found herself clicking the episode she left off on and getting back into the great minds of Mulder and Scully. She couldn't help it, she always found herself wondering if the two agents were ever going to get together (she wasn't that far in the series, don't criticize) and just really loved all that went on in the show. We can't forget the sarcasm from Mulder and the occasional hilarious visit from The Lone Gunmen, no, because the show wouldn't be the same without those things.
Pretty soon, she'd watched multiple episodes without realizing it and found herself hungry. She blamed it on the fact that she hadn't really eaten earlier thanks to her fantastic cooking skills. She scoffed. She went out to the kitchen and found in empty, like expected, and made herself a quick sandwich before making it back to her room. Passing my Jasmine's room, she couldn't help but wonder how she was doing. Looking down at her sandwich, she felt like maybe a small bribery could be in order.
She knocked once. Then twice. And then maybe a third time before realizing she wasn't getting an answer. With a sigh, she went to open the door and found it surprisingly unlocked. When she opened it, she didn't know what she expected, but this really wasn't it.
Jasmine was sitting there on her bed, which was made, a book open on her lap and headphones in her ears. She looked fine, save for the slight tired look Chloe noticed. Chloe didn't think she would get noticed unless she made herself visible, so she stepped forward and made a few feet towards the bed before Jasmine finally looked up. She gave Chloe a smile and pulled out an earbud.
"Hey," she said, pulling her legs closer to her. Chloe smiled and sat down.
"Hey yourself," Chloe gave her a smile. She held up the plate. "Want to half a sandwich?"
"I'd be crazy to deny food." Jasmine said with a small laugh. Chloe was amazed at how fine she seemed. Maybe she was fine, and she was just overreacting. She tore the bread in half and handed the tan-skinned girl the plate. They stayed silent again, Jasmine having gone back to reading. Chloe bit her lip after she finished her half and wondered if she should say anything more.
"How're you doing? Chloe asked and Jasmine looked up again, nodding her head lightly.
"Pretty good," Jasmine told her, looking directly at her. Chloe nodded and looked down at her hands. "Chloe, if you wanna say something, say it." Jasmine told her tauntingly.
"Okay, well I mean, I was just making sure you were good and all." Chloe said in a rush, waving her hands around maybe a little too much. "I mean with everything that happened, and I know you and Zane were friends - I guess I was just making sure you were okay." Chloe shrugged and looked back down at her hands, which were in her lap again. Jasmine was silent for a second.
"You know," she started with slight hesitation. "To be quite honest, I'm not really okay." She said with a look that told Chloe she's been acting for a while. "Zane was a friend. Even more than a friend to me. I thought something was there, that maybe I could have a future for myself or just. . . " She trailed off, raising her head to look up at the ceiling. She took a breath, a shaky deep breath. "I guess I'm just finally getting the picture that love and me don't mix." Jasmine said, looking back down. She took her earbuds out and put her book down. Chloe thought of the boy Jasmine had told her about, the one that lived in the building. She remembered how Jasmine had said she fell in love with him, but it couldn't work out due to being Mai.
Chloe wanted to do something, but there wasn't anything she could really do. So she hugged her. Jasmine hugged her back and Chloe didn't feel her break, didn't feel wet tears on her shirt, just felt someone who needed a really nice hug. She smiled. Chloe pulled away and Jasmine gave her a smile.
"Just so you know, I picture you as the type of person that doesn't need anyone. Especially some stupid guy." Chloe shrugged and got a laugh out of Jasmine, which is more than she could have asked for. They talked for a few more minutes about small things, like the book Jasmine was reading, before Chloe left her alone again.
Right when she entered her bedroom, she found Alek standing right in front of her. She bounced back a little, almost having walked straight into him. She smiled and looked up, and he looked like he was at a loss of words. "You okay?" she wondered aloud.
He shook his head, almost trying to make his mind clear before nodding and leaving a small smile on his face. "I'm blaming it on the fact that you're female, but Jasmine has never really opened up to me. So I'm thankful at the same time I'm sort of jealous." His smile grew as he finished and his white teeth almost seemed to have their own gleam of light in Chloe's eyes.
"Or maybe she just likes me better," Chloe said, giving him an almost smug look. His eyes narrowed quickly before shaking his head.
"Uh uh, no. I truly doubt anyone could not like me best." He crossed his arms over his chest and Chloe fought to check out the way his muscles bulged beneath his black shirt that he must have put on recently. "Besides, I think we all know I'm incredibly hard to resist." The smirk that was in place made Chloe think about the day in the hall, where he had her pinned to the wall. He was close to her. So so close and she could remember so vividly how he felt, how secure his hold on her hip had been. How he leaned into her neck, only inches away from the skin itself. How he would have kissed her if Jasmine hadn't - Chloe's head perked up as she realized just how distracted she had become. A rosy color spread it's way over her cheeks, her body it felt like, and she wasn't sure if she should meet Alek's eyes or not.
Instead, she side passed him and stepped towards the bed where her laptop was still open and set up on the bed. The screen was black now and she closed it anyways, taking a seat on the bed.
"I'm bored and it's not even past 2 o'clock yet." She told Alek as she glanced at her phone. He came over and sat on the other side of the bed. It shook as he plopped down and he exhaled, showing he was bored as well.
"There is absolutely nothing to do. I almost wish we were back in school, just so I wouldn't be as bored." He muttered, placing an arm across his eyes. Chloe smiled. Then she let out a gasp.
"I haven't talked to Amy or Paul in almost two weeks," she recalled as she grabbed her phone. Neither of the two had texted her, but she wasn't too worried. "Would you mind if I called them? I just want to see how they are." Chloe asked the boy sitting next to her.
"As long as you don't mind me staying," he shrugged. She bit her lip and dialed Amy's number. The other girl answered on the second ring.
"Well if it isn't my little long lost kitty-cat," Amy's voice rang, throwing out an exaggerated sigh. Chloe laughed.
"Hello to you too, Amy." There was silence and Chloe wondered if something was up until that familiar shriek came through.
"Well!" Amy complained. "What's been going on that you haven't been able to keep in touch with your best friends!" By the end, her question was coming out as more of a hiss. The tips of Chloe's mouth turned down as she tried to come up with something.
"She's been a bit busy," Alek suggested, trying to hide his evident smirk.
"Chloe!" Amy squealed, this time leaving Chloe's eardrum pierced. "Please tell me Alek wasn't suggesting what I think he could possibly be suggesting? I mean, it could happen but I'd at least like to think that you'd call me and tell me what he's like -"
"Amy!" Chloe shushed, face flushed as she tried to climb off of the bed. "No, nothing's been going on!" Chloe glared at Alek who was holding back a laugh and left the room. "Well, nothing important anyways."
"Uh huh, sure. You're tellin' me that you've been in a house with London Calling for two weeks and nothing has happened between you too!" She hissed again accusingly. Chloe hated how well Amy seemed to know her sometimes.
"Fine, okay, one kiss! That's it! And it wasn't even a real kiss because I was too busy being all sad over the fact that the I had just told Brian it was over and, well, yeah." She said exasperatedly.
"And you tried to tell me nothing's happened? Girl, I know you too well for that." Amy giggled and Chloe fought a shy smile.
"Yeah, yeah," Chloe shifted, feeling awkward for standing in the middle of the kitchen. She walked over to the couch and dropped onto it.
"Oh, I almost forgot! Those pictures came back and I must say, they're extremely cutesy." Amy said teasingly, which made Chloe flush all over again. She was lucky she wasn't a steamed tomato by now.
"I'll have to get them from you soon, then. And thanks again for doing that." Chloe replied, playing with a tiny piece of hair.
"Of course, that's what I'm here for, chika!" Amy giggled again and Chloe rolled her eyes. "Oh, dang it! Paul's here. We're going to grab a late lunch since he ran late at the club and couldn't make it to lunch." She said and Chloe heard shuffling. "You know, school isn't the same without you. It's really. . .well, school-like." Chloe heard the tone of Amy's voice and she bit her lip.
"Yeah, I know. I'm really sorry, Ames. But go have fun with Paul and tell him I say hi." Chloe said as Amy told her she would. The call ended and Chloe stood back up, walking towards her and Alek's room. She found him in the same place, arm still slung over his eyes.
She walked closer to the bed and sat down, making Alek look over at her.
"How's Amy?" Alek asked, sitting up to get a better look at her. "Or should I ask how you are?" He considered, taking in her look. She waved her hand.
"She's fine, I just feel bad. I keep blowing them off and lately, it's like I can barely even leave here." She pulled her knees to her chest and she set her chin on them. His hand came and rested on her shoulder.
"It'll get better soon and you'll back to your normal life in no time," he tried to convince her, but she just smiled over at him.
"Or at least back to my so-called 'normal' life." She corrected and he nodded, shrugging. No point in telling her she was wrong when she wasn't.
"We aren't normal. Plus, who really wants to live a plain, boring, normal life? I don't." He reasoned and Chloe shook her her. She was always curious as to why Alek seemed to have a dislike for humans. Yes, the situation with his parents wasn't good, but she always felt like there was more than that to the story. Secrets, secrets, and more secrets. Questions were racing a million miles an hour in Chloe's head and she had so few that could be answered. She figured she could settle on asking one.
"Can I ask you something?" She pondered. Alek's head perked up a bit and he cocked his head, wondering what she wanted to ask. "Something about Zane?" Alek's eyes flickered and Chloe could have sworn she saw yellow.
"I guess," His tone made her feel like she was being intrusive, but she pushed anyways.
"What do you think they had - or have, I guess - against him?" Chloe turned her body so she was facing him better as she talked. A look came over Alek's face when she finished and he looked like he had so many thoughts, so many emotions, running through his head. Her face fell as she wished she wouldn't have asked.
"To be honest, I've been wondering the same thing." He sat up straight, letting out a sigh. "I mean, I've known the guys for 5 years and never had a clue that something was wrong. And I honestly can't imagine him doing anything blackmail worthy." Chloe saw how he avoided her eyes, how hard it must be. She wished for the second time today there was something she could do for one of her friends.
"I obviously didn't know him, not well anyways, but he seemed so nice." Chloe shrugged, voice quiet. "And he definitely seemed fond of both you and Jasmine." A slight smile came over Alek's face as he continued to look down, one similar to someone who was drifting back into a memory.
"He's always been fond of Jasmine, that much I can tell you." He finally looked up at her, still looking slightly distant. "She would always blow him off and I remember how annoyed she would get if he would really do as much as say one word to her. It was only about 2 years ago did they actually start talking."
"Sounds like he's liked her for a while."
"He did.
"Why didn't he ever say anything to her?" Chloe shifted herself so she was beside Alek, her side against the headboard of the bed. He looked at her for several seconds before answering her again.
"I think he was scared she would hit him." He smiled and Chloe let her own teeth show a bit. Alek's hand drifted from where it was sitting in his lap, over to her. It sat in front of her knee for a moment before it grabbed her hand. Chloe's face flushed for the billionth time today and she wished she could have more of him. More than just her hand in his.
"Alek. . ." she trailed off and he looked back up at her again, eyes filled with something she couldn't quite place. He looked anxious, like he thought he did something wrong. But when he saw her face something must have registered because he was pulling her closer - or was she leaning? - and their faces were close enough that Alek felt Chloe's shaky breath hitting his cheek.
Chloe met Alek's eyes, even with the close distance. He looked so vulnerable, dare she say it, and she wondered if there was anyone else who had ever seen such a side to the usually arrogant guy she knew. She felt his hand, the one that wasn't holding her own, touch her neck and she felt her eyes close before she could help it, like instinct.
Alek felt his lips skim right over Chloe's and heard her intake of breath. He fought a smile, truly loving that he could affect her in such a way. He pushed further, pressing his lips to hers. This. This was their first real kiss and Alek felt like shouting and probably would have if it weren't for the fact that the girl he felt so strongly for was kissing him back, seeming to enjoy it just as much as him.
The warmth that spread through both of their bodies could be felt in the coldest and darkest of caverns, leaving Chloe feeling light headed. Her hands were raising up to his shoulders, grasping onto what she could as she let out a deep breath. She could feel herself sitting up, trying to get closer to Alek and his thumb brushing against her cheek bone, his other hand now resting on her hip. He let her lead, now practically sitting on the front of his knees and pushing his back to the board behind him. He couldn't believe it was happening, couldn't describe it if given the chance.
Chloe almost screamed, so lost in the moment when she hear someone clearing their throat. The two young Mai jumped apart, Chloe's cheeks turning pink and Alek trying to fight a smile. Chloe looked over at the doorway to find Valentina standing there. She thought she would see annoyance or maybe even disappointment, but she saw neither. It was almost a knowing look that was across the woman's face and that left Chloe slightly confused.
"I hate to ruin the moment but I need to speak with both of you," Valentina stepped inside the room farther, making her way over to the chair that sat in front of the desk. She sat, crossing one leg over the other before speaking again. Chloe shifted farther from Alek, trying to get her mind to come back to her body. "With everything that's happened with Zane, I've held off the meetings that should have been happening. Things will be starting back up again on Monday so please be prepared for them."
Chloe nodded and Alek did also. Then there was silence. Chloe almost felt like she was going to get one of those talks that her mother would have her listen to after dealing with a boy. Especially after the situation Chloe and Alek had been in. But Valentina just stared at them. It seemed as if she were calculating and Chloe squirmed under her gaze.
Without another word, just a nod, Valentina stood up and left the room. Chloe bit her lip, chewing on the skin. She wondered what would be said about what obviously happened between her and Alek. She felt him shift behind her, the heat she felt telling her he was moving closer to her. His hand came up to meet her left shoulder and pushed aside the hair that covered it.
The breath Chloe felt on her skin gave her goosebumps, the skin rising and she fought the tiny gasp she wanted to release so badly. Her whole mind went blank and she squeezed her eyes shut so hard she saw white. His mouth met her neck only briefly and Chloe did let out a gasp that time.
Before she could react any further, Alek pulled away from her completely and she spun around, seeing Alek's face hold a smirk so smug she felt like taking a swing at his head. Her face was heated, that much she knew, and she stood up.
"I dislike you very much right now," Chloe stated, but as she said it, she knew her voice gave away how she really felt. And She felt hot. She left the room and walked towards Valentina's office, hoping to maybe get an answer or two. She knocked uncertainly, feeling as it she would annoy the busy woman.
"Come in." And so Chloe did. She entered and shut the door behind her. She hoped her face was back to normal.
"I'm sorry to bother you, because you're probably extremely busy with doing - well whatever it is you do, but I was just wondering if maybe I could ask you something?" Chloe wondered. Valentina nodded, pointed to the leather chair in front of the blonde. She sat quickly.
"What is it exactly?" Valentina asked, sitting forward. Her eyes narrowed in a concentrating way.
"With Zane," Chloe rushed, but shook her head. She let out a breath. "I was wondering what happened with Zane. I mean, where did he go and what did the New York pride have against him?" When Valentina stayed silent, Chloe felt like maybe it wasn't her place to ask such questions.
"He's still here in San Francisco," Valentina started, sitting back again. "This building may be where we live, but there's what I guess you could call a 'headquarters' near Russian Hill. A friend, Sergei Glazkov, is responsible for that place and that's where Zane is now. It's a facility for Mai, and many live there because of it's safety and precautions. It's almost a Safe Haven for Mai in San Francisco, along with being a place where we may hold anyone we may need to.
"As for what the New York pride has against Zane, there's information on that subject that I probably shouldn't share with you." Valentina explained. Chloe nodded, looking down at her hands. She was about to thank the woman when she continued speaking. "But since I highly doubt telling you will cause any damage, why not?" The way Valentina said that sentence almost seemed like there was a slight teasing tone and Chloe fought a smile.
"Zane was born into a unique family. His mother, she was Mai. But his father wasn't. He was what we call the Pure. He was also a member of The Order." Chloe gasped unintentionally, earning a soft glare from the older woman. "The Pure are those who are immune to a Mai's kiss, said to be part of the very first of our enemy. We thought there were no more, but there's a family of them out there. Zane is a part of that family and since he is both Mai and born from The Order, he is hated by many on both sides."
"Wow," Chloe let out. She breathed deep before meeting Valentina's eyes. "So the New York pride threatened him how? If people know this already, did they threaten to. . .kill him?"
"Yes and no. Like I said before telling you, I wasn't exactly sure if telling you would be the most responsible thing for me to do. I'm under the impression that only pride leaders and very few others know about this little secret, therefore Zane was told he would be exposed which in the long run -"
"Would get him killed anyways." Chloe finished. Valentina simply nodded.
"Are we keeping him here as a prisoner or to keep him safe?" Chloe's question seemed to leave Valentina in thought before she replied.
"Both." She stated. "Even though he was blackmailed into reporting to them about you and Alek, he still did it. On the other hand, keeping him 'prisoner' as you said would make us just as bad as the pride in New York. By keeping him in our facility, I'm ultimately hoping to keep him safe from both rogue Mai and The Order." Chloe nodded. "Is that everything?"
"I, uh, yeah. I think so." Chloe stood up and walked towards the door. She stopped and turned to face the woman who was still staring at her. "Jasmine and Alek, they don't know about him, do they?"
"No," Valentina answered quickly. "And I hope it stays that way. At least until they need to know."
"You have my word." Chloe said before exiting the room and walking towards the main area. If she weren't so busy within her mind, she would have noticed Jasmine talking to two females. She could only assume they were Mai, but who really knew?
"Jasmine?" Chloe asked hesitantly. Jasmine turned and smiled at Chloe. Chloe saw the how stiff she seemed and wondered what was going on.
"Chloe, meet Lilah and Nikki. They're from the Sao Paulo pride and came here to meet you."
"I wasn't aware we were having guests. From any pride." Chloe heard Valentina behind her and almost jumped. The taller of the two by only a few inches smiled and walked towards Chloe and Valentina.
"We were hoping for a surprise visit," She explained lightly. She held her hand to the older woman. "You must be Valentina." Valentina didn't accept her hand.
"And you are?"
"Lilah, and that's my sister Nikki." She pointed to the other girl, who gave a small wave. "We're just visiting." Lilah shrugged, but Valentina didn't seem to appreciate that answer.
"Well, I'd appreciate a warning next time. If there will be a next time." Valentina said with a tight lipped smiled. "Do the two of you have a place to stay?" Lilah looked behind her and to Nikki who spoke up finally.
"We were hoping you could advise us to a hotel nearby once we got here. It was sort of a last minute trip, so there wasn't much planning." Nikki stepped forward, leaving Jasmine behind and stood by her sister.
"No need, we'd be happy to have you stay here." Valentina waved for the two girls to follow her and they did, into her office. Chloe watched them go before turning around to see Jasmine.
Chloe walked closer to her before asking, "What's going on?"
"Apparently they're just visiting." Jasmine said, but her look told Chloe she wasn't the only suspicious one.
"They couldn't visit during one of the gatherings?" Jasmine shook her head and gestured for Chloe to follow. She did. Once inside Jasmine's room with the door closed, Jasmined said what Chloe had been fearing.
"They might be here to take you back to their pride." Jasmine said before crossing her arms over her chest. "I don't see why else they would show up randomly and unannounced. If there is no one to stop them from arriving or interrupt them from being around like a gathering would do, they have a better chance to get you alone and somehow get you to go with them."
"I wouldn't -" Chloe started, but Jasmine waved her off.
"I know you wouldn't leave voluntarily. That's the whole point of all of this." She reassured her with a smile. "They could also be trying to prove that you and Alek are fake though, and since they're staying here, you two need to be careful."
"Trust me, I will." Chloe mumbled before running a hand over her face. "I'm going to warn Alek since he probably doesn't know they're here." Jasmine nodded.
Chloe left the room and walked towards her and Alek's, not bothering to knock. Stupid choice. It was deja vu all over again as she saw Alek standing across the room in only a towel, his back facing her. He was searching in the closet. Once he heard the door open and the slight gasp, he turned around to see Chloe. He smirked.
"That's twice now, Chloe." He teased. "Are you sure you're not trying to see me in less than this?" Her eyes widened and then narrowed into a glare before she entered and shut the door behind her.
"Funny," she hissed softly. "I actually came here to tell you about these two girls. They're from the Sao Paulo pride and Valentina is letting them stay here. We have to be extra careful again." Alek nodded before facing the closet again and pulling out a pair of boxers from his drawer. He looked at Chloe who seemed to be looking of into nowhere and quickly threw the towel to the floor before slipping into the shorts.
Not bothering to dress any further, he walked over to Chloe and sat behind her. His hair was still damp and he flipped it out of his eyes before placing a hands on her shoulder. It drew her out of her daze and she gave him a gentle smile.
"Lazy day or not, I feel like it's been a long one." She shifted over to face Alek, who was closer than she thought. She quickly glanced down and noticed how he was only his shorts. Her face flushed, and she looked up to meet his eyes, only to find him smirking again. Her heart panged as she knew that they complicated things again by doing what they did earlier. But then again, doesn't it make it easier to be together when they're pretending to be? She chewed on her bottom lip. "What are we going to eat for dinner?" Alek pulled back and rested the back of his head on his arm.
"Takeout? I can get Jasmine to order for us." He reached for his phone and Chloe just nodded.
He texted Jasmine after asking Chloe what she wanted and they both sat in silence. Chloe kept fighting the urge to tell Alek about Zane, because she knew Valentina wouldn't appreciate it if she went and blabbed. But Chloe couldn't help but feel like she was being untruthful by keeping it to herself.
"You okay?" Alek asked, bringing Chloe back again. She gave him a smile.
"Perfect."
Hello all! Sorry for the terribly long wait, but I got really stuck actually. So yes, the plot is (finally) starting to heat up a bit and we're finding out the truth a bit here and there. Keep Zane's story in mind because I have future plans for that.
Also, congrats if you caught the reference I used from the script they released! And if you did read the script and caught that, you remember who that really references to, right? (I'm trying to be cryptic and it isn't working whoops)
Anyways, thank you guys so much because I have 70 frickin' reviews for this story? Gah! You guys are perfect.