TNLOCK Chapter 23

I know it took me forever. :( IB diploma is probably the worst decision I have made in my life. I hope you all love it!

Chloe's POV

"Where are we going?" I asked. Over the past few months, I've started to dislike the idea of surprises, but trusted Alek enough to plan something nice.

"If I told you where we are going, wouldn't that kind of defeat the purpose of the blindfold?" He chuckled beside me, driving the car. Alek had placed a blindfold on me the second he picked me up for the date, and refused to tell me where we were going. Instead of answering, I focused on my other senses, hoping they would give me a clue on where we're going. The windows were rolled down slightly, allowing the fresh air to blow in. It almost smelled salty? I felt the car slow to a stop.

"We're here."

"Can I take off the blindfold yet?"

"Not quite." Alek opened my car door and started leading me somewhere. The wind was blowing in my hair, and I finally knew where we were. "Okay, now." He said as he pulled off the blindfold. The scene before me was absolutely stunning.

The sun was just starting to set, making the sky a mix of orange and pink to create the perfect sunset. There were no clouds in sight, and you could see the moon starting to rise. Before us was a huge picnic blanket with a basket and a cooler. A fire was set near the blanket, close enough to keep us warm, but far enough where we don't have to worry about anything catching on fire. There was a bottle of something leaning on the basket along with two cups.

"You did all of this?" I asked, turning to look at Alek with a huge smile on my face.

"All to see that smile," He replied. "I hope you're hungry. I brought enough food to feed an army." He held out his arm and we continued to the blanket.

"I wish I knew where we were going. I'm not really dressed for the beach." I looked at my jeans, and t-shirt. I had taken off my shoes once we sat down. All Alek had said about the date was to dress comfortable, so I had no clue where we were going.

"You look beautiful." I felt my cheeks warm up. Alek placed a hand on my cheek and whispered, "Absolutely beautiful," before he leaned in and kissed me. The kiss only lasted a moment before he pulled away again, a smile dancing on his lips. "Would you like some sparkling cider?"

"That sounds great."

"You did bring enough food to feed an army," I groaned as we finished eating. Alek had brought cheese with crackers, mini egg salad sandwiches, mini roast beef sandwiches, grapes, and risotto balls. Everything had tasted delicious.

"And to think we still have dessert."

"There's more?"

"Close your eyes and open your mouth." I eyed him doubtfully. "Come on, it will be worth it. I promise." He looked happier than I'd ever seen him, so I did what he asked. Something chocolate passed my lips and I opened my eyes. It was one of the best things I'd ever tasted.

"What is that?"

"It's a chocolate truffle dessert thing that I got at a bakery. Did you like it?"

"It was fantastic." He started to chuckle. "What's so funny?"

"You got a bit of chocolate on your face by your lips. Um, here," He leaned in closer to me, our faces only a few inches apart, and used his thumb to wipe away the chocolate by my lips. "There, all gone."

"Thank you. Everything was perfect. Tonight was perfect."

"Who said it's over yet?" Alek pulled away and pulled off his shirt. "Let's go for a swim."

"It's dark outside now that the sun had set." I answered without thinking that much. My attention was drawn to him being shirtless.

"All the more fun," He replied. "Like what you see?" He laughed before scooping me up in his arms.

"Alek!" I squealed. Actually squealed. I'd never squealed like that before ever. "Put me down," But I hadn't thought that request through because the next thing I knew, Alek tossed me into the ocean. "Alek!"

"Hey," He raised his hands in the air, faking innocence. "I'm just doing what you asked."

"Yes, you are quite the gentlemen." I said sarcastically before I pulled him into the water as well. It was strange being so carefree. We weren't worried about the Order or training or anything. Instead we were just having fun, something that I hadn't experienced in a long time.

"You'll pay for that King."

"Bring it," And that's how we got into a splashing war in the ocean at night. It lasted for probably an hour before I gave in. "Okay, okay, truce?" Alek swam towards me before stopping right in front of me. The water was only waist level, so we were both able to stand up easily.

"We both know that I won," He joked. "But truce." He wrapped one arm around my waist and pulled me in closer while he cupped my cheek with his other hand. Suddenly, his face turned to concern. "Chloe, are you cold?"

"No, not anymore." I was cold a while ago, but then I got used to the cold water temperature.

"Your skin is like ice. Come on, let's go sit by the fire and warm up." He scooped me up in his arms. I opened my mouth to protest, but decided against it. One, I knew that he wouldn't listen. And two, it actually felt nice. It felt safe. So, I tilted my head to rest on his shoulder. "I had Amy pack you some extra clothes just in case. They're in the basket. I'll get them for you." Alek said as he set me down on the blanket.

He handed me the outfit, but I didn't move away to go change. Instead, I noticed how close our bodies were, and the next thing I knew, we were kissing. I could feel his heat radiating, and my heart pounding as I wrapped both of my arms around his neck and he placed his hands on my waist. Alek slowly pushed me until I was lying beneath him. His breath was warm against my face.

"You should probably change." He said quietly, his forehead leaning on mine. "It's cold and late. I promised your mom you'd be home by eleven. It's already ten thirty."

"I still can't believe how easily you won her over."

"What can I say, parent's love me."

***

"I guess this is the end." Alek said as he pulled into the driveway.

"I guess it is." It was a perfect evening.

"Until I sneak onto your rooftop in about two minutes." He said with a smile.

"You're still on Uniter duty? I thought Jasmine was going to come over tonight." Alek had been watching me all day.

"I'm not leaving you until Kai is gone. Jasmine agreed that it would be better if I protected you for the time being."

"I'll be fine. I'm not helpless you know. That's the reason for training me all this time, right."

"I'd feel better if I were there, okay?" I knew he meant well. All he was doing was trying to keep me safe, but it was forever a constant reminder that I wasn't. That I probably never would be again.

"Okay." I said with a sigh. He went around the car and opened the door for me before we headed to my doorway. "Thank you for everything. Tonight with the date. Keeping Kai safe. Always watching out for me. It means a lot to me."

"Chloe," He said with a smile. "I would do anything for you." He started to lean in for a kiss before stopping. "Your mother is watching us," Alek whispered. "I will uh, be on your roof if you want to talk." After he went back to hide his car, I opened the door.

"He's good. Ten minutes before curfew and didn't kiss you on the front door step. I like that." Meredith was sitting on the stool, pretending to read.

"Waiting up for me now?"

"Maybe. I just wanted to make sure you got home okay. And on time. Did you have a good date?"

"It was amazing."

"That's all? You really give no details at all."

"Not too much to tell. We sat at the beach and talked." I could feel a large smile growing on my face.

"You like him, don't you?"

"I really do."

"I can tell. Now, off to bed. It's late. Tomorrow, I might be home late. I have a dinner date. There will be money on the fridge for some Chinese food with Amy. No boys. Except for Paul."

"Okay. Good night. Love you."

"Implied."

As soon as I was upstairs in my room, I saw both Kai and Alek. Alek was on my bed glaring at Kai who was by the window.

"I have another game tomorrow night. Would you like to come? We could do something afterwards."

"I would love to. But I have fallen so behind in homework between training and going out with you. I have a major test on Wednesday in history."

"Well then, come to the game and afterwards we can study all night at my place. I have the same test that you do. I already know all the material so I can focus on helping you."

"Sure. Sounds great."