Hello there! This was a lot longer than I planned on it being but I can't imagine anyone complaining, right? I got together a plot in my head again so I know where I want this to go. School does start up (for me) next week so I have no idea how frequent updates will be. Not that I had any clue before, obviously.
My appreciation is so high for the people who continue to read this even though I'm terrible at consistency and the fact that I have nearly 90 reviews on only 9 chapters is absolutely amazing. You guys are golden.
I apologize now because I haven't reread this (I rarely do) and there are probably many mistakes. Please let me know how you're liking it and if there's any questions you might have!
Chloe could feel the way Alek's body was tense against hers and she wondered if he was alright. With her head on his shoulder, she peeked up at his face through her lashes and found him staring across the room. When she followed his gaze and found the Brazilian twins in the line of view, she wondered if he was getting the same vibe she had when she first met them. Something just didn't seem right about them. Chloe took a quick glance around and saw that no one was paying them (much) attention, she nudged him with her shoulder and gave him a small smile, grabbing his hand in hers. Without saying anything, she pulled him along until they reached their room. He shut the door being them.
Alek turned to face her with a teasing grin and she fought to roll her eyes.
"No, I did not drag you in here so we could get hot and heavy. Get that out of your mind, now." She said knowingly, but Alek only caught his bottom lip between his teeth, walking towards her in a way she could only describe as predatorial. She felt her throat tighten. He didn't wait for her to respond, just placed his hands on both sides of her face and brought his closer. She let herself sink into him when their mouths met, placing both of her hands on his chest, fingers digging into the dress shirt he was wearing. She sighed and his hand fell from her face, to her waist, pulling her closer. The silky texture of the dress made it easy to slide around, Alek noticed. He like the way it glided across her hip as he grasped it.
Chloe pulled away in need of air, but Alek continued down her jawline, across her neck. His lips were gentle and she was vaguely surprised. Even if they'd only been going out for roughly three weeks and with all the meetings and Chloe being as shy as she was, them getting too intimate wasn't happening. They kissed a few times, though, and in those times Chloe was always surprised at how Alek acted. Sure, he could make those somewhat lewd comments and he could get he heated in more ways than one, but when they were close enough to kiss, to touch like that, he was so open with her. Not in words, of course.
The way he expressed himself was no way words ever could and Chloe loved it. He was so gentle and careful yet his grips and kisses felt so firm; she could get lost in those things forever. As his lips barely touched her neck, his breath hitting her skin, he already closed eyes squeezed so hard she saw white. She basked the feel of him for a few more seconds before lightly pushing him away. Alek met her eyes.
"I - I really didn't pull you in here for that." She let out a slightly embarrassed giggle and Alek smiled, leaning forward to place one more kiss on her lips.
"What's up?" He asked, and Chloe was slightly distracted by how much fuller his thin lips looked.
"Why were you so tense out there?" Neither of them missed the slight shakiness in her voice, but didn't comment either. She saw Alek's eyes narrow for a split second.
"I'm not enjoying the attention from the twins, is all." He dipped his head as he explained. "I'll be glad when they leave tomorrow."
"The apartment. anyways." Chloe mumbled. Alek nodded. "Have they done anything to make you uncomfortable or - ?" She paused, letting him answer. He seemed hesitant. He looked away.
"Besides the constant flirting and non-stop looks, no." He met her gaze again. "Call it a gut feeling, but I just don't like their company." He said it as if he were waiting for Chloe to tell him what an idiot he was being, but she felt the same way.
"I've noticed, too." She said, voice lowering a bit. "I'll be glad when they're gone."
Alek didn't reply, only looked at her a bit longer. His eyes seemed to be searching for something. "You know I'd never. . ." he trailed off. He blinked before looking away, clearing his throat. He shifted on his feet. Whatever he was about to say, Chloe knew he wasn't comfortable doing it.
You know I'd never cheat on you, right? is the question Alek had wanted to ask. He was always so sure of himself unless it came to Chloe. She looked encouraging, standing there, eyes telling him he could say anything and everything he wanted to. He gave her a sloppy grin and shook his head, telling her not to worry about it.
"We should get back out there before people start wondering where we are," Chloe suggesting, holding out her hand. Alek took it without hesitation.
The rest of the night went soundlessly, really. No problems.
After everyone was in their rooms, Chloe took a shower to rid herself of the makeup and hair supplies that she was drowning in. She was draped in only a towel, taking off her makeup with remover when Alek took it upon himself to enter the bathroom. Didn't she lock the door? She gave him a look, one mixed between annoyance and curiosity as she watched his grin spread into a smirk.
"I was sitting there waiting for you to come out then a thought came to me." he paused, walking closer to her. She watched him through the mirror. "Now, tell me why we didn't just save water and shower together, Miss King?"
Chloe rolled her eyes and continued on with her routine, not even bothering with a response. Alek didn't seem to mind. He walked closer to her and she fought not get out of there as soon as possible. It was too late anyways, seeing as how he was flush against her back, wet hair making his white shirt damp. His chin found it's way to her shoulder, resting there. If he weren't Alek, the gesture would seem completely innocent. Her cheeks burned and her lips pursed.
As she kept looking at him though, she realized the usual teasing glint in his eyes wasn't there. Just a soft smile, the feel of his chest rising and falling, and the way his eyes wouldn't let go of hers. She felt a small grin forming on her own face.
It felt weird, in a way.
She turned her head to give him a chaste kiss on the cheek before leaving the bathroom to let him shower. As she got dressed, she thought about something Alek had said about when he accidently kissed her; how he had gotten caught up in pretending to be her fiance.
She was hating to think that, but was there a chance that that was happening to him, now? With those gentle touches and scalding glances, was it possible that he was getting lost in the moments and their pretend arrangement, and he really didn't have feelings for her? She didn't want to think that. She didn't want there to be a chance for that.
She wanted what they had, no matter the circumstances, to be real. If it wasn't. . .if it wasn't, she wasn't sure how she was going to continue this whole thing. Her feelings were real. She liked Alek. A lot. At the rate things were going, she wasn't surprised if by the "wedding," she could effortlessly say she loved him. And the thought of that happening with it being one-sided and Alek not really feeling the same killed her. It made her chest hurt and her stomach fall and she could only hope to Bastett that wasn't the case. She left the room before Alek could get out of the shower.
As she was sitting in the kitchen, hair tied up and dressed in a baggy shirt and shorts, eating a small snack, Jasmine entered. She gave the older girl a smile and she greeted her. Jasmine sat across from her. There was barely a second before Jasmine bluntly got to the point.
"Are you and Alek really dating?" She asked and by the tone of her voice, she knew the answer. Chloe felt the snack catch in her throat, making her eyes bug out of her head. She coughed a few times before looking back up and Jasmine. Her smile was all too prideful. "That answers that, I guess."
"There's not a problem with that, right?" Chloe asked quickly. "I mean, it just makes it easier to be 'engaged.' Right?"
Jasmine's teasing demeanor seemed to diminish with Chloe's words. "So you are dating him, but only because it makes things easier?" Jasmine's tone slightly upset Chloe. They were getting close, she thought, so seeing her attitude change towards her like that in the blink of an eyes had her face fall.
"Of course not." Chloe said sternly. "Not for me, anyways." Chloe suddenly felt like going into her room, but that would mean Alek would be only feet from her. She was a little annoyed that she couldn't seem to go anywhere alone. Her face must have shown her slight sad feeling because Jasmine's hand was on her shoulder.
"Hey," Jasmine said, her voice quieter than before. Chloe realized they were talking with the twins only two rooms over. Idiots. "I just don't want Alek getting hurt. He can be a real jerk sometimes, but he can also be one of the sweetest guys I know."
Chloe nodded, looking down. She understood where Jasmine was coming from. She really did. But could she not see the same thing Chloe was? That maybe she would be the one to end up getting hurt? If Jasmine didn't see it, then maybe she was just psyching herself out. She needed to bring it up, still. She looked back up at Jasmine who was looking at her already.
"Do you think there's a chance that I'm the one who might get hurt?" Chloe asked. Her chest felt heavy as the question hung in the air.
"What do you mean?" Jasmine asked slowly. Her eyes narrowed and Chloe wondered if Alek got that from her.
"I mean," She started. "Do you think there's a chance that what's happening between us is because of this whole 'pretend-to-be-engaged-thing?' I hate to admit it, but I'm scared that what I'm feeling for Alek isn't going to be returned if we keep going."
Jasmine seemed to be thinking over what Chloe said and that made Chloe's doubts rise. After a few painful seconds, Jasmine slowly shook her head. "Like I said - he can be a jerk, but I highly doubt he'd just play around like that, Chloe." Chloe shook her head quickly.
"No, no! That's not what I'm saying, I just - " Chloe took a deep breath, closing her eyes. "All I'm saying is that I'm scared that Alek thinks he's feeling these things because of what's happening. I know he wouldn't play me. I don't know how to explain it, really. I'm just thinking that there's a chance that since we're supposed to be in a relationship, he sees it that way. I don't him to jump back after we're 'married' and realize he made a mistake or something."
Chloe didn't know what she was saying. It's not like they were actually going to be married anyways. He could run out of it the seconds Valentina okay-ed it and leave her in the dust if that's what he really wanted. But as Chloe sat there, the thought of him doing that truly made her feel sick. She could only trust that he did feel the same way and it wasn't acting, or him pretending something so much that he was falling into it.
". . .Chloe?"
Suddenly. Jasmine was in front of her and she could feel her heart racing. She got so lost in thought she hadn't heard Jasmine's calls. A look came over Jasmine's face.
"You really like him, don't you?" She questioned. Chloe met her eyes, throat feeling too tight to respond. She nodded stiffly. Jasmine sighed. "I know what you're saying. I really do. But I also know Alek and I can't see him getting crossed between fiction and reality like that. He's too smart."
Her words soothed Chloe and she felt her breathing get back to normal quickly. With a nod, she stood up and gave the older girl a hug. Jasmine seemed surprised by the gesture and it came to Chloe that hugs probably weren't a usual thing for her. It only made her hold on tighter. Jasmine slowly hugged back and after a few seconds, they both pulled away. Jasmine looked her up and down. "You okay?"
"Yeah, yeah," Chloe laughed lightly. "I think too much, is all." Chloe smiled. "Thank you."
Jasmine still seemed slightly confused, but nodded. "Sure." Chloe patted her shoulder quickly before going to her room and seeing Alek already on their bed. He tossed her a loose grin and she smiled back, feeling a lot less tense. She moved closer to the bed and sat near him, not close enough for them to touch.
His hair was still slightly damp, Chloe could see. She reached over and pushed it away from his face, making his head tilt a bit. His eyes flashed to something Chloe couldn't get a hold of and it didn't register what she was doing until her hand was slightly holding his face. He gave her a questioning look but she didn't elaborate, just smiled and pulled her hand away.
Like a silent agreement, they brought the blanket over themselves and lay there for some time. Chloe could feel her mind evening out, relaxing so she could fall asleep.
Until the door to their room opened without warning. Chloe jumped, startled by the sudden change. Alek's hand shot out and grabbed her arm, like he were about to pull her closer to him. Protect her.
"I didn't mean to frighten you." Valentina was standing there, a polite smile on her lips. "It's quite early. I figured you two wouldn't be asleep just yet."
"It's fine," Alek said for the both of them as Chloe let out a yawn. She felt herself settling against Alek comfortably.
"Lilah and Nikki were curious as to if you would want to go out tomorrow." Chloe could see the way the woman didn't seem sure of the visitors, either. "They came up with a plan to go to dinner. I made the reservations, but I can cancel if you don't want to attend."
Chloe felt Alek go stiff behind her. She felt the same way. Before either could respond, Valentina walked into their room, shutting the door behind her.
"So I'm not the only one who senses something's about with them?" She questioned, her voice quiet and low. Chloe let out a sigh of relief.
"No," she answered. Alek's hand was rubbing across her arm subconsciously, something she found relaxing.
"I'm not sure what's going on." Valentines stepped towards them, standing tall. "I called the pride in Sao Paulo as they said that's where they're visiting from." She paused. "The leader there said nothing of any visits."
"If they are here to 'visit,' it's not something that was cleared through, is what you'e saying?" Alek asserted. Valentina nodded.
"If they're even from Brazil."
A silence took over the room.
"I'd like for you two to go to dinner with them. Do as they say, see what they bring up. We'll have guards around you at all times." Valentina stated and Chloe felt the command in her tone. It was an order, not a suggestion.
"We can do that." Alek reassured her. "What time?"
"Dinner is scheduled for 7:40."
Chloe and Alek both nodded and Valentina gave them one last look, one that said they should do as she asks, and left the room. Alek's slow rubbing against her arm stopped.
"Just when we thought we were escaping." Chloe mumbled, eyes closing. She heard - and felt - Alek's rumble of a laugh. For some mad reason, her cheeks glowed in the poor lighting with a faint blush.
"We still have nearly a month for alone time, don't worry." Alek reasoned and Chloe rolled her eyes. There was no way she was going to fall asleep sitting up, so she pulled herself further down the mattress, still pressed against Alek. It only took a few moments for him to do the same, adjusting himself so his chest was against her back. His arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her closer, it possible. She felt his breath against her ear as his other arm came from beneath her side, the ont pressed to the bed. She nearly laughed at how much he was trying to get her near him when she was already so close. She wasn't complaining though. His lips skimmed over the back of her neck, brushing it lightly in a kiss that made her spine tingle. She couldn't stop herself from turning her head, bring her hand to grab a hold of his chin so she could meet his lips easier. She kissed him slowly and felt him hum against her mouth.
With everything in her, she knew she could get used to that. There was something in the way he kissed he that made all of her earlier doubts fly out of the window. He pushed her away and she felt her neck flush with slight embarrassment. He only chuckled, pushing himself from the mattress and bringing her towards the middle of the bed, setting himself so he was between her legs. He didn't kiss her, just looked her over and even in the dark lighting, she could see the way he licked his lips quickly. She pulled him by his shoulders so she could kiss him again, feeling his hands roam over her middle, doing that thing that drove her mad. It wasn't even a thing; it was just the way his touches made her feel. Like she were going mad.
As they kissed, it didn't feel rushed. For Chloe, it felt so simply intimate that she wondered how she could have ever made it 16 years without him by her side. He wasn't forceful, again surprising Chloe a bit. He just had that look to him, one that would make anyone think he was a bit rough in certain activities, like the ones they were taking part in. It would shock her forever how wrong she was.
His mouth felt soft against hers and it made her feel like he was a drug she was addicted to, one that she didn't mind at all. His hands rested heavily on her hips and hers were still on his shoulders. Kissing was the only thing either of them wanted to do, something that had Alek a little surprised. He could easily spend the rest of his life never going that far with the girl beneath him, as long as he could call her his.
He pulled away, filling his lungs because he felt like he were going to die if he didn't. His chest rose and fell against hers and he couldn't resist giving her a smile. She let out a laugh that he would definitely tease her about later, because it was terribly too close to a giggle. He didn't want to move from where he was, so he decided to just lower himself where he was. Chloe let out another string of soft giggles as he let himself fall onto her. She didn't mind, though. She enjoyed the way the weight of his body made her feel safe.
She wasn't sure how long it took her to fall asleep with her hand in Alek's hair.
The next day was a long one for Chloe. She was working herself up so much over dinner with Lilah and Nikki that every sudden movement or noise felt like an attack. She was paranoid. It was around 6 when Alek decided she needed to relax if they were going to do anything that night. He gently took her by the arm and walked her from the main room to their bedroom.
"You're getting so tense that you're making me nervous." He joked with her, but it wasn't exactly a lie. He noted how she jumped at everything, how she kept looking around. "What's gotten into you?" He asked carefully. Chloe sighed and took a seat on their bed, throwing her hands up in the air.
"I'm just nervous." She admitted. "We have no idea what they're planning and I don't want anything to happen."
Alek sat beside her, sliding his hand into hers. "You've got nothing to be worried about. It'll be fine."
Chloe didn't respond, just leaned over and laid her head on his shoulder. Alek let a smile slip as he looked down at Chloe. Or her hair, anyways. He inhaled for a second, something he thought would creep her out terribly if she caught him doing it. But what he said on the first day they talked? About her smelling good? Yeah, he was in no way lying.
It was a calming effect that Chloe let happen as she leaned against Alek, his hand holding hers, thumb creating circles on the back of her hand. "We should start getting ready, don't you think?" she mumbled quietly. Alek barely hummed in response. Yes, getting ready is something they should probably start doing, but he felt too nice in that moment to move. Chloe pulled away from him only to lean up and lay a small kiss on his cheek. He leaned into it a bit, smiling at the gesture. He watched her silently get up and walk into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. A smirk broke out of his grin when he realized she didn't take any clothing with her.
By the time 7 o'clock rolled around, Chloe was still nervous. Probably more nervous than she had been earlier in the day. With Alek's hand in hers, they went out into the main area. The twins sat ready on one of the couches. They both turned and Chloe and Alek both noticed the way Nikki barely even saw Chloe. Her eyes were all on Alek.
"Ready?" Lilah asked, standing up. She gave a smile, one that Chloe thought almost looked kind. Alek nodded for the both of them and they left the apartment, walking into the hallway. It was awkward and uncomfortable as the silence became deafening when they entered the elevator.
"So, Valentina was the one to pick the place." Nikki said, swaying her body a bit. She stood on the other side of Alek who refused to look anywhere but straight ahead of him. Lilah stood beside Chloe. "Is it any good?"
Still silent. Chloe cleared her throat, looking down for a second. "I've never been, personally. I've heard good things, though."
"What she said," Alek mumbled and Chloe pursed her lips to hold any signs of laughter. She had to clear her throat again to stop sound from escaping.
This is the most unbearable thing I've ever done. And I've died. Chloe nearly scoffed to herself.
They walked to the side of the building, going towards the parking garage. Valentina had informed them there would be a limousine waiting for them, which Chloe thought was a bit over the top. The older woman said that it would make things seem more comfortable (How though, Chloe had no idea.)
Lilah and Nikki walked in front of Alek and Chloe as they strolled into the garage, laughing and chatting about something Chloe couldn't bother with trying to listen to. Alek stayed silent and Chloe could feel the way his hand held hers so tight. He had commented on her being tense earlier, but he was extremely tense himself. She wished she could do something to help.
A few minutes later they were in the limo and the drive assured them they'd be at their location within 20 minutes or so. A semi-bearable quiet overtook the back and Chloe found herself very comfortable with Alek's arm wrapped around her waist, her head against his shoulder. Her eyes closed as the hum of the engine lulled her, settling her nerves slightly. Until a voice interrupted them.
"So, Alek," Nikki said in a sickly-sweet tone. "Have you heard about the rumors? That you and Chloe aren't really together?"
Alek was visibly unaffected by her words. "Seems to me like people have too much time on their hands." He countered sternly. Chloe could only imagine the glare he might have been giving.
"Well, when it comes to the only person that's going to save us, you can imagine the time people can create." Nikki's smile made Chloe cringe.
"It's funny that Chloe and I's relationship has nothing to do with her doing what she's supposed to, isn't it?" Alek snapped a little too harshly. Chloe's hand drifted between them and landed on his thigh, giving it a small squeeze.
"Nikki, we understand what you're saying," Chloe started. "But honestly, he's right. My personal life shouldn't have anything to do with my title." Chloe tried for a calm tone, but even she couldn't keep the disdain away. Nikki only hummed in response. Lilah was staring out the window, her mouth shut. She seemed bored, all in all.
The rest of the ride was silent again.
As they were seated at the table, Chloe felt terribly underdressed. She decided on a simple red dress, one that Alek favored when she had tried it on, but it didn't seem like enough. Alek was wearing trousers and a dark blue button up shirt, a casual yet formal feel. He seemed fine in the setting they were in.
"How did you guys start dating?" Lilah asked. Her smile didn't seem forced or overly done and Chloe wondered if she was just that good of an actress. Chloe slightly faltered, not expecting the question, but luckily Alek took over.
"I'm her protector," he said simply, brushing dark blond hair from his forehead. "With all of them time we were spending together, it sort of just. . .happened."
"Just as cliche as I thought it might be," Lilah laughed. Chloe felt indifferent about her - she didn't seem bad. In the end she knew that didn't mean much, though. "Who made the first move?" Chloe couldn't help but notice the way Nikki seemed to be avoiding the conversation completely.
"She did," Alek said and Chloe looked up at him, not trying to show her surprise. He smiled down at her, winking with his right eye so Lilah couldn't see. "We were training and she practically attacked me. It was quite the adventure, if I do say so myself. She can be very - "
"O-kay, enough of that." Chloe blushed madly, looking down at the table. She picked at the cloth napkin, hoping her warmed cheeks might cool.
"Did you two get together after Chloe's fling with that human?" Nikki asked, having comfort in knowing the Uniter wasn't as perfect as she was deemed to be. Chloe saw her smile, how she knew exactly how to get under her skin.
"I had no fling," Chloe hummed, trying to keep calm. "Brian was a friend. When I found out it could be nothing more, I broke it off." Chloe looked back down at the table, not wanting to see the darker girls reaction. She'd be rather happy if she would just be quiet.
"Before or after you killed him?" Nikki said rather loudly, making Alek glare and Chloe bite a gasp.
"I didn't kill him!" Chloe hissed, her hands grasping the edge of the table tightly. "He was well and alive the last time I saw him. I never laid a hand on him." She finally did look up at Nikki and saw how she seemed unaffected by Chloe's small outburst.
"So who was it you did kill?" Nikki pondered, her tongue gliding across her bottom lip carefully.
"I didn't kill anyone!" Chloe hushed, leaning forward. Alek's hand caught her bare shoulder and a spark ran through her. Then she remembered; Xavier. Him, she had killed. It was well before she knew she was Mai and there was no way she could have stopped it. That didn't help the way she felt her face drop, her heart stammer.
"Who's Xavier?" Nikki leaned forward, too. Her gaze was too curious. Lilah sat back, looking bored again.
"He - He's the one who died." Chloe mumbled, head dropping in a tilt.
"So you had relationships with two humans?" The Brazilian asked, almost sounding amazed. Chloe knitted her brows.
"There was never a relationship." Chloe paused. "With either of them." She felt defeated, sitting back so her spine rubbed against the chair. Alek's hand left her shoulder and traveled down her arm, resting his palm against hers.
"But you did kill one of them, did you not?" Nikki almost laughed, the tone of her voice rather teasing.
"Listen to me carefully." Alek spoke up, seeing Chloe not responding. His grip on her hand tightened. "What happened is in the past. She had no clue that doing what every other teenager does would end up getting anyone hurt. She wasn't raised Mai like the rest of us, Nikki, and we'd both appreciate it if you left those subjects alone." Alek was fuming, though he tried his best to keep calm for the sake of Chloe. And Valentina, considering she'd probably have his head if he started any type of fight.
Nikki sat back, looking slightly offended. Chloe fought to roll her eyes. Of course she'd be offended by Alek telling her off. She's been wanting to get under his clothes since she arrived. Chloe's bitter thoughts kept her occupied in the terribly awkward silence. The waiter arrived and took their orders. Nikki excused herself to go use the restroom minutes later. Chloe could still feel Alek's hand resting in hers. What she would give to be able to thank him for standing up for her.
"I'm sorry about my sister." Lilah announced. Chloe couldn't help but think she didn't sound very apologetic. "She can be very dense. Stubborn, too. I don't know what goes through her head most of the time."
Chloe didn't respond or lift her head to see Lilah's face. Alek seemed fine with staying quiet, too.
Chloe just wished she could leave, already.
They ate their dinner, though Alek barely touched his food which had Chloe slightly worried. He was a teenage boy who trained better than most professional athletes on a regular basis; his appetite was higher than most. She didn't comment though.
The small talk was barely bearable and Chloe found herself annoyed when Nikki acted like everything was fine, like she hadn't uncovered - mostly - patched wounds on Chloe's part. By the time they were leaving, Chloe was as relieved as she'd ever been. They took their seats in the limo once again and set off on their way to the hotel where the twins were staying for a few more days.
The ride felt long and full of tension. Alek's hand was across Chloe's shoulders, rubbing the soft skin of her arm. The limo stopped and the couple both looked out the windows, seeing only dark. One would think the street that help a fancy-ish hotel would be a little more lit up. Chloe hand tightened into a small fist, her body going stiff.
"We're taking a little detour, I hope you don't mind." Lilah said, exiting the limousine. Nikki threw a bitter smile their way and followed her sister. Chloe glanced up at Alek with a worried expression, but he looked as baffled as she felt. They didn't waste time before getting out of the vehicle themselves. Alek pushed Chloe gently behind him. pressing her own back so it was practically pressed against the limo door. Chloe noted that they were in an alley. Her expression faltered when she failed to see the twins or the driver who either hadn't gotten out or left the area.
Like a switch, she could hear the faint sound of two heartbeats towards the rear of the alley where the darkness spread like a black hole. Alek suddenly turned to face her, his body much closer than either of them anticipated. Had it been any other moment, she was sure he would have given some disgustingly flirtatious comment. In that moment, however, he looked ready to rip someones head off.
"If anything happens, the slightest sign of any attack, you have to promise me that you'll run." He told her, looking right into her eyes. His harsh glare made her fearful, but not for herself. "Promise me, Chloe." He whispered. His eyes softened and flickered to her lips for a second.
No distractions, you idiot.
"I can't just leave you, Alek." She replied quietly, looking at him with a pained expression. He swallowed.
"You can and you will if this gets any worse." He said with an orderly tone. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you."
She opened her mouth to respond when a weight fell on top of the limo roof, making a crashing sound along with sending the glass of the windows towards both her and Alek. She let out a strangled sound as Alek pulled her quickly from the vehicle. Whatever had fallen, it was dead. Chloe peeked above Alek's shoulder and saw that familiar black disk of a hat. The limo driver, she realized. She looked around quickly, waiting for the twins to jump out at them. Alek turned around, the force nearly knocking her over. He caught her by the waist and forced her to look at him.
"Go!" He shouted, pushing her by the shoulders towards the opening of the alley.
"Alek, I can't - "
"I said go! Run!" He kept pushing her, but she wouldn't budge. Not fully anyways. It was hard not to move at all with the strength he had on her. Before she could respond again, Alek took off towards the dark end of the alley and she felt like yelling. She shook her head and quickly pulled at the straps of her heels, internally beating herself up for wearing them in the first place. When she got them off, holding them in her hand, she started to take off. Before she could make it very far, a figure was in front of her. She bounced back, grunting as she fell to the ground. When she looked up and saw Lilah, she cringed. Her gruesome smile had Chloe wishing she were dead already.
She started circling Chloe, that smile only growing with Chloe's fear showing through.
"What do you want from me?" Chloe tried to sound menacing, but she could barely get it out without her voice cracking.
"We want what's rightfully ours." Lilah stopped and Chloe stood up slowly, leaving her dumb shoes on the ground. She tried to stand tall. "The Uniter is supposed to save us. Not sit around and wait while the war is still going on!" Lilah barked, her hand flying into the air. Her claws were visible, something Chloe hadn't noticed.
"I can only do so much!" Chloe shouted back, feeling anger course through her body like a drug. "I only just found out about this like 3 months ago! Cut a girl some slack." Chloe said bitterly. Lilah let out a laugh, humour void of the sound.
"It's not up to me, what happens to you." Lilah inquired, sending Chloe another vicious smile. "I don't have permission to hurt you, though, sadly enough. If you don't agree to come with us however. . ." She trailed off, her claws clicking together.
"I'm not going anywhere with you." Chloe countered. Lilah didn't hesitate before lunging at her, grabbing her easily by the hair and throwing her to the ground. Chloe rolled before Lilah could touch her again, kicking her leg out to hit the back of Lilah's knee, making her fall to the ground, too. "You have claws for a reason!" Chloe hissed out, her claws making way to the Brazilian's throat. "Pulling at my hair is so 4th grade."
Lilah grumbled loudly before using her knees as leverage to roll the over, one of her legs falling between Chloe's to pin her down. Chloe barely hesitated before pulling her hand down, seeing the ribbons of skin that trailed down the front of Lilah's neck and shirt. The older girl let out a sound and her grip loosened instantly, letting Chloe scrambled from beneath her. She pulled the hem of her dress down, annoyed. Lilah didn't stop though, getting back up and charging at Chloe, before she could make it though, a hand shot out to grasp the back of Lilah's jacket. Her footing failed as she nearly fell to the ground. The hand let her go, giving her an extra push. Chloe looked at the body connected to the hand and relief spread through her as she saw Alek. His face was scraped up, but he looked fine otherwise.
She saw him start to run over to her, but before he could, someone threw her into the brick wall behind her and she let out a groan, trying not to collapse completely. A hand pulled her arm so her back was to the wall again. She met Nikki's eyes. The girl was mad, a glint in her eyes that she had only ever seen with Scarface. She was smiling, too, a cruel and malicious grin that made Chloe feel sick to her stomach. Chloe couldn't react as a fist hooked her jaw, making her head swing. Chloe gave a shove and pushed Nikki away from her, her bare foot meeting the older girls stomach. She fell to the ground as Chloe stood over her, but got up just as quickly, facing Chloe. They were both nearly breathless as Nikki lunged again, grabbing Chloe by the shoulder and shoving her harshly towards the bricks. Her head hit with a smack and she felt her vision go white for a second before it happened again. Chloe let herself fall into her attackers arms, regretting it instantly. She found an advantage, however, when the girl seemed surprised by Chloe's easy collapse. Chloe's clawed hand raised before racing down the older girls' arm, grasping her wrist when she hit the end. She turned her around before kicking the back of her legs, making her fall to her knees.
"Had enough yet?" Chloe offered, anger filling her tone. The other girl couldn't respond before she heard Alek shout her name. Chloe quickly scrambled when she saw him gesture behind her. Her knees hit the ground as she noted she had tried to get away faster than her body would let her and everything seemed to slow down for a few seconds. Lilah had been standing behind her, some kind of pole she must have broken off of something charging down at where Chloe would have been. Instead, Nikki was in her place, her stomach to the ground from Chloe pushing her down when she tried to race away. The wooden pole pierced through Nikki too easily and Chloe felt a small scream sound from her throat, "No!", as she ran forward again. Alek caught her by the waist before she could make it much further. She let herself be held still by Alek, mouth open wide as she looked at a failing Nikki.
Her sister seemed frozen as she yanked the wooden stake out, a sickening slosh accompanying the scene. Chloe fought to keep her eyes open, not truly wanting to see what was happening. She saw Lilah weep as she fell to her knees, shuffling to get to Nikki's side. She rolled her over onto her back. Chloe saw the specks of blood from her mouth, coughing second after second. Lilah held her to herself, rocking back and forth. Chloe heard someone behind her and Alek and ripped herself from his grasp, whopping around quickly to see Valentina and Jasmine. A few other Mai she didn't recognize raced to the scene behind her.
Jasmine looked nearly terrified and Valentina only nodded, tilting her head in a follow me gesture. Alek and Chloe did, exiting the alley finally. Jasmine was quickly on the other side of Chloe. The blonde hadn't noticed herself shivering until Alek wrapped his arms around her. It was a deafening silence that filled the air as they walked to a car, getting in to be on their way home. Chloe felt stiff and knew that she must be in shock with the way she could barely focus on anything, her body as cold as the night air.
The ride was more than tense and Chloe was almost afraid Valentina would lash out, telling both her and Alek how irresponsible they were, that they could have prevented it. The back of Chloe's head was throbbing intensely which made her fidget every five seconds. She lifted her hand to lightly touch where it hurt, and nearly sighed out loud when she felt a dampness there. She pulled away but didn't bother looking at her fingers, knowing if Alek saw, he might overreact.
But that failed when he reached over and grabbed the hand that was now coated in blood, and he grasped it in his own. He tensed for a second then pulled away and she knew that he had found her out. He didn't say anything, though. Chloe heard him give a small grumble and he pulled her closer to him. There was no conversation as they made it back to the apartment.
When they were inside, Valentina only told Chloe and Alek to rest. It surprised all three teens. They all headed off to their bedrooms, either way.
Chloe didn't feel like showering. Her body hurt all over and she felt like she might fall against the tile wall if she had to stand in their for too long. She went into the bathroom and stripped the ruined red dress off, standing in only a nude color pair of matching undergarments. She started dabbing her makeup of, wincing in pain when the remover hit the fine cuts over her face. She finished the job and started working on the injuries. The only things that were bad were the ones to her head, and there wasn't much to do there but let them heal. They'd be gone in a matter of time with her Mai healing. As she was applying an antiseptic cream, the bathroom door opened and she let out a small screech while reaching for a towel. She quickly wrapped it around herself, feeling her entire face burn, flowing down her neck. Alek just gave a deep chuckle. He was walking towards her but she couldn't bring herself to look at him through the mirror. She kept dabbing at her face where the cream wasn't fully applied when a hand landed on her bare shoulder, making her blush deepen. He didn't say anything though, just turned her around before pressing her against him. She fought hard to keep a hold on the towel, but rested her head on his chest.
His hand reached up and threaded through her hair carefully, avoiding any part that got caught. He found the injured spot and she could feel his chest sink in just a little, heard him relieve a sigh. She squeezed her eyes shut.
He spoke a few minutes later. "Why didn't you run like I told you to?" He mumbled into her golden hair. She rolled her eyes even though he couldn't see.
"You'd have to be crazy to think I would have just left you there alone, Alek." She said truthfully because he really would. He would never leave her, so why would she do it to him? She cared way too much to just leave him when he was in danger. She lifted her head to see his reaction. He glanced at her, but didn't respond. He dropped his hands from her head and placed it on her cheek. She leaned into the touch, eyes closing for just a second.
"Chloe," He murmured and if Chloe weren't Mai, she wasn't sure she would have heard it. "If something had happened to you, if you had. . ." he trailed off, eyes flicking off of her for a second. He stared back down at her, brown eyes mixing with blue. "I couldn't live with myself."
She stilled for a few seconds. Okay, sure, he was her protector. He was supposed to care about her safety. But with their situation so different, a relationship blossoming into (hopefully) something more, the statement left a flutter in Chloe's gut and had her feeling more cared for than she had in a long time.
Alek didn't pull away, even though her silence had it slightly nervous. He wasn't the type of guy to shout out what he was feeling. He didn't enjoy letting other people see the one thing he couldn't control. But with Chloe, it felt like he could tell her everything and she would never back away. She made him feel safe. Wasn't that a contradiction.
Chloe stood up straighter, her feet angling to her toes. She paused when she was only inches from his face, her eyes glancing at his lips. She couldn't bring herself to look away. He finished the distance, bringing his gentle mouth to her own.
Something changed.
This wasn't like the other moments they shared in the past.
Somewhere in the back of both of their minds, they knew that this was going to mean more than either of them could ever imagine.