Maya's Pov

" Ahh!!! "

I let out a high-pitched screech while my hands flew to my eyes at once. I didn't how but I successfully managed to locate the bathroom with my eyes closed.

I ran into the door and locked it, breathless and sagging against the closed door. My lungs were on fire, even though it was a short distance , but I felt like I've ran a marathon.

I know Nik is like a sexual deviant, but I never knew his debauchery was to this extent, and yes I did see him naked yesterday - but it was at night and my coloured bulbs created a romantic ambience, moreover the mood was just... right.

Last night was just unbelievable ; Nik touched and triggered several sensitive nerves in my body I didn't know existed . But seriously the guy was as fit as a horse and I'm never tempting him again.Though we didn't do the real thing last night but I was so sore all over.

I swallowed, but it didn't seem to ease the dryness in my throat while my hand went to my chest, the unsteady beat reverberating through my fingers.

Warmth flooded my neck and face , just the thought of last night was enough to arouse me all over.

I slapped my cheek trying to awaken my senses. Idiot ! What are you thinking?! what do you think you're doing?! You should be reprimanding and punching that pervert , not thinking about his hot, yummylicious body and the wonders of his hands and mouth.

God help this stupid girl!

*sob*sob* I cried mentally. ' you're right, dear mind, but what can I do? His face is so handsome, I can't afford to lay a scratch on it ' Pathetic me.

I was roused from my reverie by a knock on the door making take a few step back .

"What?!" I yelled.

"You can come out now, I'm descent " He answered .

"No, I don't trust you " I retorted .

"No? Don't you want to take a last glance at me before I leave " Nik chuckled, rhythmically tapping on the bathroom door.

"No ! " I hollered " Go away! "

"Fine " He gave up with a sigh " Make sure to miss me, little Tigress "

Humph ! Who will miss him? I snorted derisively and folded my arms across my chest.

And what 'Little Tigress ' ? What kind of nickname was that?

My ears perked up the moment I heard my room door shut close. I didn't move out immediately but waited till all noise died off, and eased the door open far enough to peek into the room.

Nik is tricky and it wouldn't hurt me if I thread carefully .

Cautiously, I stepped into my room and ran at lightening speed to the door, locking it swiftly. I didn't worry about my entrance door cause I was sure he would shut it on his way out.

Exasperated, I threw myself on my bed groaning and gripping my hair. His natural and manly smell mingled with the fruity scent of my shampoo was everywhere.

Why ? Why Maya?! Why are you such a chicken?! Why would you let him get away with everything just because of his good looks and sex appeal?!

Yeah, incredible sex appeal

" Ahh ! " I bellowed and thrash around on my bed frustratedly. I grabbed a nearby pillow and angrily bit down on it.

Suddenly, my cellphone rang halting my momentary madness. I grabbed my cellphone from my nightstand without hesitation, but all feelings of excitement vanished from my eyes the moment I saw the contact name.

Kim.

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Nik's Pov

Immediately I walked out of her apartment, a car braked to a stop right in front of me. I opened the door and casually got in.

"I was beginning to think you weren't planning on leaving again " Judy welcomed me with his witty tone as soon as I sat down.

I ignored him, picked up a magazine on my soft leather car seat and snapped it open, but secretly, a smile played at the corners of my mouth.

Secretly, I slowly lowered the magazine a bit, trying to catch Judy's expression but his knowing gaze caught and held mine through the rear-view mirror

Suddenly he frowned, nose wrinkling as if trying to pick up an unfamiliar and disturbing scent

" Why do you smell like sweet white strawberries and mood-boosting mint ? " He asked as I expected.

I grinned " I used her shampoo "

Judy turned and gave me a deadpanned look before shaking his head.

"Idiot " He murmured and I laughed harder.

Perhaps, Judy was the only person I could communicate with, without my usual mask nor facade , but Maya was slowly climbing to the position of being the second person after him.

Judy has being with me half my life and was currently my most trusted henchman. We weren't exactly friends , more like comrades, we had each other's back even though he was a shadow guard - someone mandated to die in my place when a dire situation arises.

"I like her " Judy said abruptly and my gaze darkened.

" Umm" He cleared his throat "No ! I mean, I like her because she makes you happy " he clarified when he realized the ambiguity in his words earlier.

My tensed face loosened at once. So that was what he was trying to say, I thought.

I made a low sound of approval and Judy who had become rigid from fear relaxed at once. Though we might be companions but he definitely knows when to draw the line.

"Why did you call me? " I asked resuming my businesslike tone.

"Someone has being looking into her background " Judy answered, eyes glued on the road.

My brow lifted " Whose background "

" Maya " He answered almost immediately and my gaze sharpened.

"Who? " I inquired with a grim demeanor.

"Can't tell yet, but I think it's connected to Sakuzi - he's back "

I felt a bomb went off in my head the moment I heard Judy's announcement. My blood chilled and my hands curled into fists.

Who's Sakuzi?

Let's just say he's someone I hate more than my father and Eden altogether joined - oh , the feelings mutual, he hates me too. Not only that, he's also my competitor in the underworld business and the mafia boss of the Falcon gang.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner? ! " I vented my frustration on the figure driving on the highway.

If Sakuzi is back and knows about Maya, then she's definitely not safe anymore. I seriously hope, my father has assigned her a shadow guard.

This was another reason I hated getting attached to someone, they make you weak and vulnerable.

Unfortunately, as selfish as it sounds, I'm not letting go of her , even if she does find out how dangerous it is to be with me and wants to leave. No, I won't let go.

"Also " Judy added, snapping me out of my thoughts. " Regarding that incident , I've discovered the culprit "

" Who did it? " I asked straightaway

"Tina "

My Jaw tightened, I shut my eyes and took a deep breath, releasing it slowly as I tried to contain the burning fury in my heart.

"What do you want me to do? " Judy questioned, expecting my order.

"That's the problem " I said " Don't do anything, just invite her to Cloud9 "

Judy's gaze sharpened and he nodded without saying a word.

" Drive to Cloud9"