"A penny for your thoughts?" Liam breaks the silence engulfing us in the car.

I smile sheepishly, enjoying the sight of him as he handles the driving wheel with ease. "Well, it'd cost you a lot more than that, Mr. Intense."

My reply is playful, just as I'm feeling right now.

"Mr. What?" His eyes widen as he asks this.

Oh boy!

"Err . . . that came out wrong," I say.

"No, Ms. Jones, I think it was pretty clear to me," Liam says with a boyish laugh. "Mr. Intense? Is that me? Why? Am I, by any means, intense to you or something?"

"Yes?" I reply promptly. His eyes narrow at me. "I mean . . . Well, it's a long story."

What now? Does he want me to lay everything down about his character?

"Oh, my love." He huffs an amused laugh, eyes back on the road. "You have all night to tell me, so adopt a new strategy if you want to avoid the issue."

Yeah, I guess I believe him. But what does he want me to say? That I named him rightly so because he was more of a grouchy guy who demanded my attention all the time.

"Okay, you were moody, a bit scary, and so unpredictable," I state truthfully. He frowns as he glances at me. "And mostly, you always had this intense look in your eyes as if you're having a lot to process whenever you looked me in the eyes."

Maybe it's a biased analysis, but he gave me that impression so many times.

"Me?" he utters, astonished.

"Yes, you," I answer. "So I figured that name would suit you best."

He eyes me for a long moment before stretching his lips into a wide smile. "You're crazy," he says simply and smiling is my response.

Crazy for you? That's stale news, honey.

Liam wanders his mind off by pressing his utter concentration on the road, a small wrinkle invading his beautiful face. As for me, I have a lot to think of. However, the most important thought is to wonder what Liam's thinking at the moment. I pray it's not about the incident.

I heard him earlier, without his knowledge, asking someone on the phone if they have any contacts in LAPD, and I'm sure it's regarding Jeremy. I just want everything to end so our life doesn't get affected by that incident.

We enter Beverly Hills and the car stops at some posh restaurant where we order our dinner and two glasses of wine. Liam's phone chirps as we eat, and a little smile escapes his lips. He glances at me briefly before picking up.

"So you're seriously going to London tomorrow?" he asks, and a frown appears on his face. "No, I'll stay a little longer, but if it gets too complicated let me know. I've taken enough time reading their profile and I know exactly where to pin them," he says, then pauses for a while. "Oh, your professor?" He now stares playfully at me, and the name itself tells me who's on the line. "Here, it's Malik." He hands me the phone.

My heart booms. The recollection of that kiss in Miami makes me uncomfortable now that Liam is here. Clearing my throat, I place his phone on my ear with a curt smile.

"Hi there," I croak, and a clearing of throat welcomes me right away on the other end. "Have you caught a cold amid the summer?" I try to be spicy, grinning mirthfully.

Liam beckons that he's going to use the restroom, and it serves as a grand relief at my end.

"No, Professor, I'm perfectly fine," the famous voice speaks at last. "How are you?"

"I'm good. And you?" A sharp breath escapes my lungs.

Easy, Kira!

"Quite okay," Malik answers vaguely. "I'm trying to haunt some New York beauties so that I can also have a tale to tell this summer," he says in Malik's way, and I can't resist laughing while playing with my food.

He's something I can't compare. He's simply amazing. I smile.

"I'd warn them to be less careful, because you're too good, Mr. Prince. I'm scared they don't even deserve you," I tease.

We both laugh hard before a short silence holds the reins.

What is he thinking of? And what should I say next?

"Malik, I—" I start and at the same time I hear, "Kira, I—"

I chuckle, so does Malik, in such a fleeting moment. Awkward!

"I hope you're happy now," he utters softly, his voice guarded.

"Um . . . yeah."

"Good. Just be happy, okay?" he says in a way that I feel terrible inside.

I hate feeling like he's sad. The idea of being the reason why irritates me so much. But I know there's nothing I can do about it. Is it possible to be happy without hurting anyone?

"And you?" I find myself asking and he sounds hesitant to respond. "Don't worry, Liam has stepped out," I say and I'm not sure why exactly.

Perhaps I'd like to talk about the kiss and clear what needs to be cleared.

"Professor, you and Liam are a few of the amazing people I've come across," Malik says gently. "I want you two to be happy. I mean it. That night was a very big mistake. I got overwhelmed and I was so sorry to see you in such a state that I ended up causing you more problems thn you already had. I apologize for that."

"It's alright." I let out a smile after a brief silence. "Let's say it was a difficult night, and we're officially erasing it."

Yeah, no point keeping it.

"That's it, Professor! I like you!" Malik the charmer is back.

I smile widely. "I miss you."

"Me, too, Professor. Too bad I'm going back to London tomorrow."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I could've dropped in L.A and have a little Californian bliss."

"There'll be a next time, I'm sure," I remark with my best smile, and Liam resumes his seat amid our hilarious chat. "Well, your brother is here." I talk to him for a few seconds more before I return the phone to Liam.

I'm feeling relieved somehow. I don't ever want to lose the people I love, and he's certainly one of those few who are left in my cycle.

After dinner we go straight to the Four Seasons Hotel where I suppose Mr. Darcy is staying. My smile persists as we walk side by side. I love the way he holds me by the waist, oblivious of any partying eyes thrown our ways.

His hotel suite is almost the size of my apartment. Good gracious! Embellished with cream walls and wooden furniture, the classic touch makes it feel warm. A huge window regards my eyes with the gray curtains hanging fully, and the large TV draws my smile again.

I don't have time to play the country bumpkin for long as I feel the most familiar hands wrapping me in a longing manner, and my body melts like butter in a hot pan. It's crazy how I can still shudder at his touch in spite of being accustomed to it by now.

"Are you okay?" I ask softly while turning around.

"I'm okay." His voice lacks mirth, and the color of his face is no longer bright.

I look up at him, frowning. "Are you sure?"

He sighs heavily. "I'm just imagining what would've happened if I hadn't arrived there on time. I don't think I would've forgiven myself, Kira."

It breaks my heart seeing him so down while we've beaten the odds already.

"Stop beating yourself, Liam. You were on time and you helped me," I say calmly, and for a change I see him smiling. "What's important is that nothing bad happened and I'm here with you. I want nothing more for this day."

Liam strokes a few strands of my curls left away from the bun, and I lean forward. "I really was scared," he admits, his eyes glowing earnestly. "I've never been scared like that ever since that—" He stammers, as though he can't finish the words, and I raise a questioning eyebrow.

"Since . . . What?" I ask him gently.

I feel like he's got some painful memories that he constantly tries to fight away. Sometimes I see myself in him when I look him closely.

"Well, never mind," he says dismissively. No enough trust yet, I gather. "The bottom line is that I'm glad you called me at that time."

"I guess it was my lucky move." I let out a sad smile, wondering what could be this man's big demons.

"I shouldn't have left you alone when you insisted I stay," he continues, and I realize I should stop him right now or else he'll rumble the whole night long.

Has he suffered some severe loss to be this scared? It crosses my mind as I see deep fear and worries in his eyes.

"Okay, enough," I snap. He blinks at me and smiles. "It wasn't your fault and I'd rather use this time to forget that horror and do something better instead."

"I'm listening." He straightens up, and the sight makes me laugh. "What? You've mentioned something better, haven't you?"

This naughty big boy!

I decide to play dumb by innocently saying, "I meant watching the TV, does it even work?"

"What?" Liam snorts.

"The TV." I edge away from him, trying to reach for a huge flat screen but he pulls me back stoutly against him. "Ouch!" I squeak gleefully.

"TV my foot!" he grunts, making me break into giggles as he playfully starts touching me wherever he feels like.

"Liam, sto—" I can't even talk as the laughter fills my stomach and I end up lying on the couch with him torturing me with faint kisses and hugs, in turn, while laughing along.

I needed this change in my life.

"Go on and take your things to the bedroom," he finally utters, when I'm completely out of breath. "I'll catch up. I have to make a call."

"An important call?" I rise up.

"Yes, an important call," Liam replies sarcastically.

Leaving Liam to his important call, I head to the bedroom.

What a day! I breathe soundly.

I like the bed. It's plump and comfy, its mattress full of pillows. Now I need a shower before I find refuge in that same mattress.

It's ten-thirty as I follow Liam to notify him of my plans for the shower, and to see if he cares to join me. I hear Liam talking on the phone as I approach.

"Are you sure it's a nice place? Because I need a highly secured place, in a safe neighborhood," he says. "No, it doesn't matter the price." I frown a bit, bemused. "Malibu? Yes, I know where it is."

Malibu? What is he up to?

Once he finishes the call I draw myself closer. He regards me with a tender kiss on the lips, smiling indulgently.

"I said I'd follow you shortly. You didn't have to come here," he says while tugging me into his arms.

I drink his smell and reply, "I wanted us to take a shower together." I glance him in the eyes, and amusement twinkle them like midnight stars. "Who was on the phone?"

"The realtor. Let's go in." He tries to evade the matter, but I steady my feet to the ground.

"A realtor? Why would you need a realtor in L.A?" I ask crossly, refusing to move.

"I'm looking for a place for you to move in," he answers simply.

"Excuse me?" I frown incredulously.

"The place you are staying is not safe, Kira. I want you out of there as soon as possible."

"What?" I pull myself away from him. "What do you mean that my place is unsafe?" I add, irritated apparently.

"Kira, that place doesn't have any security measures. Not even a watchman. Look what happened earlier! At least if you had an intercom you'd have known whom you were opening the door for."

"Okay, connoisseur! I'm not living in the dumpsters so watch your words. Is what happened earlier the real reason or you just find my apartment mediocre for your taste?" I snap, and Liam winces back. "I've been living there for two years, Liam, and nothing bad has ever happened except today."

Shocked, Liam utters, "Kira—"

"Well yes, it's not as fancy as your enormous ranch house or your friend's beach house, but it's my house and I pay annual rent for it, Liam Darcy."

"What are you talking about?" he queries, seemingly confused. He shuts his eyes briefly and then flashes them open, smirking. "Don't put your words into my mouth for Christ's sake! It's incredible how women can twist words into whatever meaning they see fit depending on their mood swings!" He takes a little step aside, running a hand through his hair.

"Oh, really?" I smirk back. "So you think I'm just being whimsical right now?"

"Look, Kira. I have no problem with your place, I just think it's not secured ebough," he says boldly and sounds mad. "I care about your safety more than any other thing you are possibly imagining. I just want you to be okay, in a place that's highly secured, a place that will reduce any possible danger, or at least its severity!"

I look sternly at him, but I know he has a point. He cares about me and that's why he did it. I just find it bothersome and strange for him to make that important decision on my behalf, and without even asking for my opinion.

No, that's unacceptable.

I suck in a deep breath of composure before saying, "Well, you should've consulted me first. I don't like it when someone decides for me as if—"

His phone buzzes and I stop halfway.

"Listen, Kira," he mutters, ignoring his stubborn phone.

"You should take the call, it may be important," I suggest, for I don't need more arguments with him. "I'm going to sleep."