I headed straight to the washroom and cleaned my face, then wipe off the dry patches of liquid that sputtered on my thighs when I coughed it out the fluid that went in the wrong hole.

When I got it all cleaned, I sauntered back to my room and grabbed the long pink robe that was sitting in a heap on the winged chair in one corner and put it on.

I strode out of my room back to the living room and saw Alex comfortably sitting in the spot I left him watching TV while drinking beer. On the other hand, holding half eaten pizza.

He didn't hear me approaching as I come closer, his eyes glued to the TV. He didn't even realize I was already sitting at the other end of the couch.

"Ohh!" he exclaimed, then dropped his back on the backrest taking a large bite of his pizza.

I don't know if he was too engrossed with the sports he was watching, or he was just ignoring me. As much as I wanted to kick him out now, but he seemed to have had fun watching the football. He didn't even blink nor shift his gaze to me.

I let it go, knowing he's not going to make it easy for me to kick him out, and since he was in his own world, I decided to ignore his presence for now.

I remembered the laptop I put on the couch when I went to open the door. I saw sitting on the armchair adjacent to him with my phone on top of the folded laptop. I rose from my seat and went to reach it out, standing next to Alex's stretched out legs.

"I can't see!" he complained, and I gave him a glare as I took my phone, leaving the laptop on the chair.

I sat back on the spot I emptied with a huff then ignored him again. I could feel his hot gaze on me, but I decided to ignore his presence. I unlocked my phone using my thumb pad, then checked the messages.

How is the shooting going? - Boo

I scrolled it down and read her next text.

I've been trying to call you. Text me if you're off work. - Boo

Are you busy? Call me if you receive my text. - Boo

It was Claire. I named it Boo since she calls me that pen name.

I read the other messages. It's from Brittany. She's also a close friend, may not be as close as Claire, but close enough to hang out when Claire wasn't here.

Brittany is a freelance model and a photographer. I worked with her twice, and I like her, but she and Claire don't get along quite well. I had invited them once in my condo to hang out, drink come Champagne and relax, but it turned out to be a disaster.

Brittany had to leave in the middle of the night, couldn't stand to stay longer with Claire in the same room, breathing the same air.

I love them both and Marigold.

Marigold is sweet, and she can tolerate Claire's sassy attitude.

Shaking off the thoughts, I read Brittany's text.

I'm going back to New York tomorrow. I'd love to hang out with you while that bitch is not around. - Brit

I giggled as soon as I read that pen name she called her —on her back, of course. Brittany was not one to just back down when she was provoked.

I was about to text her back when my phone rang. It was her.

I connected the call, smiling at the screen. Lifting the phone to my ear, I caught Alex staring at me grimly.

"Hey," I said, rolling my eyes at him and gaze at the television.

"I miss you so much, Clara Bell. It's been three months since I last saw you," she complained that elicited a chuckle from me. I could imagine her almond shaped eyes, the color of the bright sky at midday, widening, giving me a pointed look. "Can I come? I know you're staying at Hill Street, Asher mentioned it to me the other day," she ranted.

I felt Alex's breath against my neck. "Who's that?" he growled, and I jerked my head away from him, turning hastily and threw him a warning glare.

"Who's that?" asked Brittany. her voice held so much curiosity.

"Nothing!" I replied all too quickly. Brittany is too sharp, I'm sure she sensed my defensive tone.

"I heard a deep, sexy voice, Clara Bell," she pointed out.

I groaned mentally, moving the phone to the other ear, with the same hand holding the phone a while back, I pushed Alex away from me and mouthed him to keep quiet. "It's the TV, Brittany. Don't get your imagination too far," I snapped.

"Were you watching too close to the TV?" she asked.

"Do—"

"Oh, bother! Nevermind!" she interrupted. "I'm coming over. I'm bringing snacks," she added enthusiastically.

Then I realized, Alex is here, and he's sitting next to me. I could literally feel his warmth against my side. "I'm tired, Brittany," I lied.

I know I can trust her, but I don't want her to bombard me with questions as to why Alexander James Demakis, the guy who's number on my hate lists is here at my place.

"All right," she said with disappointment, guilt tugged at my heart.

I let out a defeated sigh. "Fine!" I conceded. I hate to lie, and not with her. Brittany maybe a nosy one, but because she's concerned about us, her friends.

"But you have to know that Alexander is here," I quickly added, and I heard her gasped upon hearing his name. "Please keep your mind straight," rolling over her attempt to speak "and tuck that very wild imagination of yours somewhere at the very back of your head!" I reprimanded.

She only giggled. "You know our family is very close," I explained, sounding even more defensive.

"Right!" she answered, I could hear the underlying sarcasm in her tone.

My face disgruntled in displeasure. "I am serious, Brit. I don't want Claire to know that Alex is here with me, I know she trusts me, but still—"

"Oh, bother!" she cut in. "I would never want to have a chat neither see that slut!—" she exclaimed passionately, then hastily come to a halt, then apologized after realizing it. "Oh, I'm sorry, Clara Bell," she said, but her tone devoid of remorse. Brittany is very outspoken. Her mouth has no filter; hence she and Claire don't get along well. They are like oil and water, you can't put them together. Or matches and firecrackers, for they will explode. "But trust me, Clara Bell. I'd rather spend my time with Arie than her," she rambled on, breaking in through my thoughts. "I don't know how you could put up with her?" she wondered.

"She's nice, Brit. If you only look on her other side and stop aggravating her," I responded as I shook my head.

"I'll try," she sighed. "But because of you," she hastily interjected. "Why is Alexander still in your place again?" she asked, diverting the topic.

I groaned mentally. "I don't know, Brit," I answered curtly, throwing Alex a sharp glare, and he looked at me with curiosity.

"He hated you, doesn't he?" she asked.

I dragged my gaze away to the TV as I rolled my eyes heavenward. "Yes, so Am I."

I dropped my back against the backrest.

"About bloody time! That's my boy!" I heard Alex cried out, and my eyes glued to the guys in white uniform, jumping at one another, then huddled over the guy who just got a touchdown.

"Don't you think he realize that you are better than Claire so—"

I glared at the TV unconsciously. Cutting her off— "Brit, don't you dare continue it!" I said curtly.

"What?" she whined innocently.

I groaned. "We are just friends, alright?" I snapped.

"Now, you are friends," she chuckled teasingly.

"Brit?" There's a warning in my tone.

"I didn't say anything, Clara Bell. And of course, I wouldn't think past friendship since I know how much you hated him," she said with meaning. "But why is he there?" she asked, yet again.

My face crumpled upon remembering the very reason he was here right now with me. With all the people that Dad could ask to be my driver, it has to be him? I have four brothers, and yet he picked him.

"Dad asked him to be my driver while Clinton is in Scotland," I explained curtly.

"Oh, I see."

I heard a shutting door. "Where are you?" I asked, frowning at the TV.

"Just got here. In front of your building," she giggled. "Thank you." I heard her said.

"So you are already on your way here when you called me?" I asked, shaking my head.

She giggled again. "Yes," she confirmed. "I'll see you in a bit." And before I could respond, the line went dead.

"Great!" I groaned, turning to look at Alex, and he was grinning at me from ear to ear.

"You need to leave now," I said, pulling myself up to open the door for Brittany.

Alex grunted. "The game wasn't over. Let me finish it at least," he said.

"My friend is here," I glared at him, my hand motioning the direction of the door.

Dropping them to my sides, I gave Alex a pleading look hoping it will work. "Please..." I said pulling my hands up and crossed it over my chest.

He stared at me for a moment, then he nodded slowly. His face crestfallen and I suddenly felt remorseful, but I squashed it right away.

"Fine," he conceded as he pulled himself up from the couch then implanted himself in front of me. I dropped my hands to my sides, very much aware of our close proximity. 

"That's because I can't say no to you when you're looking at me like that," he smirked.

Frowning deeply, I met his eyes. They were staring at me so hard, I felt like I'm melting insides. "I hope, when you plead next time, it will be a different thing," he grinned, his eyes shining brightly with mischief.

And my shambling head finally focuses, but before I could speak, he leaned down and gave my lips a peck. It was a light kiss, but it managed to freeze me on my spot.

"I'll see you tomorrow, baby!" he said then left.

Just when he turned towards the corner to the door, I shrieked in exasperation.

"Alexander James Demakis!" I screeched, stalking angrily towards him with intent. "I'm so going to kill you!" I gritted out, hands clenched tightly at my sides.

I skidded to a halt when I saw Brittany smiling brightly as she exchanged words with him.

....