"You know that place between sleep and awake, that place where you still remember dreaming? That's where I'll always love you. That's where I'll be waiting."

***************

Lilly's POV

Tick tock, goes the clock.

My eyes kept their focus on my car, on the red paint tainting the door with its hazy waves, my face impassive, neutral as I tried with every ounce of strength left in me to not let his words affect my judgment or get me to back out on my decisions.

Tick tock, until the day.

I gulped down and bit the inside of my cheek, apparently grasping at straws. I mean, I expected this to happen, I moved here prepared for things to unwrap this way. So, I need to stand my ground now and keep going despite all.

Your blood will be the paint and the painter shall be me.

I silenced the sound in my head, the one repeating the psychotic poem over and over again, and turned to my right, watching as Christian's eyes flickered from the piece of paper in his hands and to my face, his jaw ticked, and his fingers involuntary tightened, torturing the innocent paper in his deadly grip. I'd be lying if I said the paint and the sadistic words written didn't shake my whole being with fear when I first saw them...because they did. I was practically shaking, so, I just found myself calling Christian. I needed someone, for brief seconds only, and I couldn't tell anyone else, I can't let anyone else know.

"Please tell me that this at least changed your mind about..." He looked around us, "...all of this."

My jaw tightened and I snatched the paper from him, shaking my head, "No, I just...I am just confused," I mumbled, tearing the paper apart, into tiny pieces, almost like it never existed, "How was he able to get inside, it just doesn't make any sense."

"Well, that alone is enough proof that you can't stay alone in here, Lilly!" His voice raised in frustration, echoing into the underground parking lot, very angry and bewildered, and here I thought he would help me calm down.

"Look, I called you because..." I don't even know why. Usually, I'd call dad, but showing him this would be enough for him to drag me home, and lock me inside till Louis is dead. Telling Chase? I've been feeling more disconnected from him with each passing day, not to mention that I don't plan to ever drag him into the middle of this, I've hurt him enough as it is. So, since Christian made his mission to push his nose into my business, it felt only convenient to call him.

"Because?" He crossed his arms over his chest, and his eyebrow raised, waiting for an answer.

I rushed a hand over my face, the air harshly pushing off my lungs, "Nevermind, I should've not called you anyway, you are stressing me out even more," I grumbled out, taking a few steps backward, thinking of how to clean my car and get back up to the apartment. Sally keeps texting me, asking where I am and I keep telling her I'll be up in five. I can't let any of them see or know about this.

"Lilly, I am just worried, okay," Christian said, defending his out-of-sorts state, "Your calm cold reaction toward this is scaring me even more," His voice had an edge and he took a step forward, edging closer to me. His voice lowered, the worry tightening the lines between his eyebrows, "Why does it feel like you are moving and doing all of this just to...to sacrifice yourself," He added, the accusation evident in his eyes as they met mine.

I gulped down and shook my head, "I should uh," I focused my gaze back on the car, rubbing at my burning throat, "I should clean this mess and get back up before they get suspicious."

He scoffed, his voice tight as he remarked, "So, you don't plan on telling anyone about this."

I turned to him and shook my head, "No," I said, it's as simple as that. They all have enough on their plate already, I don't need to add more. Dad is already worried sick about everyone, especially Max, and how badly this could harm him. Nikolas is busy with Nathan recovering. Emma is trying to find this mad man before he dares to harm any of us...So, I will have to take care of this on my own, even if it meant failing while doing so.

Christian rushed a hand over his face, trying to keep his cool and not snap at me, "You really gonna make me do something that I hate," He grated out through clenched teeth as he glared at me, "Which is go and talk to your father about your reckless decisions."

I definitely can't have him do that. "Look, listen to me," I tried to reason with him, "You have made it wildly clear that you ain't leaving till Louis gets caught, right," I asked, and his eyebrows pulled closer, confused at my question but nodded his head nevertheless, "Okay, and since you clearly love to push your nose into my business," His eyebrow raised at my choice of words but I carried on, "You can help me in this," I added, "You think if you went and talked to my dad, he'd even listen to you," My eyebrow raised, trying to convince him otherwise, "So, instead of snitching on me, which will probably lead to you getting punched if not more, you can simply help me stay safe."

He still looked unconvinced, "You know Louis better than all of us, you can make sure I am not being reckless and stupid if you stood by my side and helped me in this, because Christian, despite who you tell, I am still not backing off."

I gave him an ultimatum and his jaw ticked, his gaze flickering away from me for a brief second. Air harshly left his mouth in a frustrated sigh and he gave me a small nod, "But the second I feel you are placing yourself too close to danger, I will-" I nodded my head, interrupting him, "Okay, okay, then you can tell my whole family whichever way you like."

His jaw stayed tight as he held me with a stern gaze, trying to read behind my calm posture and understand my intentions, "I need to clean this now, so-" I started to say, changing the subject and dismissing him. Christian inched closer, extending his hand forward, "Give me the keys, I will take care of it," He said, holding me back and interrupting my movements.

"You go back up there, I will drop the car in here when it's clean," He suggested and I knew I can't be gone any longer without them getting suspicious.

I gave him a nod and placed the keys in his palm. His fingers moved, touching mine in the process as he curled them over the keys. I gulped down and took a step backward, "Thank you," I mumbled.

He just gave a nod, his whole being radiating still with negative energy, unable to shake it off after he read what was written on the paper. He got into the car after and I turned around, heading for the elevator. I inched my closed fist toward the bin and opened it up, letting the torn-up paper pieces fall inside, giving myself the illusion that I will be able to get over this. That I could beat him down somehow before he hurts any more members of my family.

Reaching the apartment, I walked inside, welcoming the loud chatter that easily bounced off the walls of the empty rooms, "Well, well, look who is back," Conner's amused voice had me lift my eyes up to see as his narrowed at me, "We are stuck here doing the labor work," He crossed his arms over his chest, "And what was your majesty doing?"

"Stop whining, will you," Chase grumbled, shooting him a glare, apparently having enough of Conner for the night.

"I am sorry," I mumbled, apologizing for them all. I moved forward and picked up a brush, "I just had to take care of some calls," I added, my voice neutral as I picked the spot far away from them all, not one bit in the mood to socialize, desperately needing to skip right into tomorrow's night, where I will be all settled in.

They indulged in many conversations, taking breaks in between and snacking but I silenced all of their voices, till they became a distant blur. I carried on with my work, my hand tight over the brush, painting the wall white. I was physically there but my mind sank deep into the rabbit hole Louis is trying to drag me under. I gotta give it to him, he is good. Very good.

Fear saturated my spirit no matter how hard I tried to fight against it. My dark thoughts played dirty tricks on my brain, and for a mere second the wall I was painting with white turned red, bloody red, an illusion conjured up by the nightmare I was trying to chase away.

My eyes widened, my hand shook over the brush, and a low sound of pure horror parted my lips as I backed away from the wall. My back instantly came in contact with someone's hand, the touch though not threatening, had me jumping, startled as I gulped down in fear.

"Hey, it's just me," Lines etched Chase's forehead as he closely stared at my agitated state, "What's wrong?" He asked, his gaze flickering all over my face, trying to read behind my unnecessary panic.

My jaw tightened, trapping it all in and I shook my head, "Nothing," I said, rushing a hand through my hair as I breathed out a low sigh, "It's...nothing."

I was about to move away, go to the bathroom, hide somewhere till I compose myself but he didn't let me. His hand circled over my arm, gently pulling me back into place. Worry tightened his brows, "Did something happen?" He asked, his voice lower now, just for him and me to hear.

I shook my head, "No, I am just...just stressed out and tired, that's all," I forced on a smile and I doubted if he figured out that it was fake. His eyes stayed on mine, trying to draw the truth out, the soft blue was raging with doubt and something else I couldn't pin out.

I felt like I could just break into tears at the moment, because those same eyes were once my home, I always felt connected to them, I always sought refuge in them, but...not anymore. It broke my heart how I don't feel like I could lean into him at this moment, that I'd be a heavy load if I do so.

He let go of my arm, "You're sure?" He asked, checking once more, hoping maybe I'd give up and tell him everything.

I nodded, my fake smile only growing wider as I edged backward, "Yeah, excuse me," I mumbled, heading for the bathroom, needing to be alone for a second or two as I tried to pave my way out of this immense darkness.

I hoped that splashing my face with cold water multiple times will do the trick. It didn't. I sucked into a deep calming breath as I pressed my palms over the cold sink and stared at my reflection in the mirror, trying to see if I can recognize the person looking right back at me. Unfortunately, I didn't.

Lack of sleep and stress drew heavy bags under my eyes, and lack of proper nutrition dug holes into my cheeks. I looked utterly miserable. I brought one hand up to my face, caressing the pale skin. I scoffed, at myself maybe, mocking the mess I've become. I always walked with pride, confident with everything about myself. Not anymore. It's one of the ugliest feelings in the world to look in the mirror and just...hate yourself.

I backed away, having no energy left to walk further down the self-pity road. I headed out of the bathroom, only to come crashing against Noah, who was standing by the doorway, waiting for me there. My gaze lifted up, and my eyebrows pulled closer, questioning. He crossed his arms over his chest, giving me a thorough look, "Are you okay?" He asked, sensing the obvious.

I nodded, tucking the loosened stand that fell off my bun behind my ear, "Yeah."

If I tell him, he would just tell dad.

The muscles of his jaw worked, his eyes drifted away from me for a mere second before they met mine again, and a harsh breath pushed off his chest. Something about his body language didn't feel right. Like he was...worried, maybe? Ugh, I really despise myself, I just keep them all worried and on their toes all the damn time.

I brought my hand forward, it rested near his elbow, "I am fine, really," And my fake smile was back, "You need to stop worrying about me."

His eyebrow raised, giving me a knowing look, "Worrying about you is my job."

I pressed my lips into a thin line as we both headed back to where everyone else was, "It's a tough job, isn't it?"

He sighed, "You have no idea," He whispered, and his tone held an edge, a one I decided not to read too much into.

**************

I tiptoed and against his consent, I gave Conner a very tight bear hug. He groaned loudly and tried to push me away, "Take her away from me!" He shouted for help but no one came to his rescue.

I pulled back, my smile more genuine now, "Thank you so much for helping, you are the best," I said, beyond appreciative. True he complained most of the time, all of the time actually, but he got more done than the rest of us combined, "I owe you one," I added.

His lips pulled into a smile and shook his head, "It's nothing," He dismissed it, waving his hand in the air, "When I move into a new house, Imma make you fold all of my clothes."

I chuckled and nodded my head, ready for anything to repay him back. His teasing smile turned genuine and he gave me a wink. Chase came to a stop beside him, smoothly making his way into our conversation. Conner turned to look at him before he met my eyes again, "Since it's too late and we are too exhausted, Sally and I will stay at Chase's," He informed, "You're staying too?"

My eyes flickered to Chase and I shook my head, "Uh, no, I will just go home, I-"

"It's already too late, just stay here," Chase argued, "You gonna be back early in the morning anyway."

Max got bored and left hours ago, Noah also left not too long ago, so it was just the four of us now. It felt convenient but...no.

I shook my head, offering him an appreciative smile, "Thanks, but I think it's better if I go home, I need to shower and change," I looked down at the mess of my clothes, and damn it, no wonder he was totally checking that Evelyn girl at the market when I look like an absolute disaster in comparison.

"Chase has a shower in his house too, you know," Conner said in mockery.

"It's better if I go home," I repeated, my tone firm this time, not willing to be persuaded to do otherwise.

Conner shrugged, "Okay, whatever," He said, like he couldn't be more bothered, especially when Sally joined us and took all of his attention away. He leaned and whispered something in her ear, to which she burst out laughing, she covered her mouth to muffle her laugh and he ever so naturally pecked her on the cheek. I so wanted to roll my eyes at them; they were so cute, it was sickening.

Jealous, are we?

No, not at all.

Maybe just a little...

Sally's eyes met mine and I gave her a wink, indirectly telling her that we need to have a talk about this thing with Conner, if it has turned serious yet or not.

My gaze went to Chase and his eyes met mine as he edged closer, "If you are not staying, then at least let me drop you off," He started to say and I shook my head, "No, there is no need, my car is here and I am gonna need it in the morning so-" I tried to explain my excuse.

"But, it's late-"

"And I am a grown-up," I resisted the urge to scoff because I was anything but a grown-up, "I can take myself home."

"Thank you for everything," I added with a big wide smile before I looked at Conner and Sally and waved goodbye, "I will see you later guys."

With that said, they went into Chase's apartment and I locked my empty clean one before I headed for the parking lot. Christian had texted me more than an hour ago that he had brought my car back and parked it in its place. He didn't mention where he kept the keys but I expected that he just left it unlocked.

What I didn't expect is this...him still waiting for me in there. My eyebrows pulled together as I got closer to my now-clean shiny car, noticing him seated in the driver's seat. I looked around the empty parking lot, just checking before I opened the passenger's door and got in.

Christian's eyes flickered away from his phone and to me, "What are you doing?" I asked, confused.

He pressed the back of his hand to his mouth as a yawn parted his lips, "Waiting for you," He mumbled, his voice a bit gruff. His words deepened my frown; did he just stay here since he dropped the car?

"Why?"

"To take you home," he said, as if it was a known fact.

What the hell is up with these men, all wanting to drive me home as if I am not capable of it myself...

I wanted to shoot him a glare and tell him off, but the fact that he helped me out by getting the car clean and just waited for me here for more than an hour...it kept me silent. His eyebrows pulled closer at my confused stare, "I will drop you off a block away, no one would see us together, if that's what you're thinking about," He added, explaining and I shook my head. It was already too late for anyone to notice, my parents would be fast asleep by now.

Taking my silence as approval, he started the car and took off, leaving the parking lot and passing by the complex's security guards as he pulled the car into the main road. The rest of our drive passed in utter silence, which was so not like him. I let my gaze drift to my left, watching him as he steered the wheel with one hand, his other elbow pressed on the door and his temple resting over the heel of his hand, his fingers in his hair. His jaw was set tight as he seemed to be thinking through various things.

He caught me looking and he turned his head around, his eyes covered up all the doubts, shaking himself in as a small smirk played over his lips, "Liking what you see?"

"Not even a little," I rolled my eyes and looked away, crossing my arms over my chest in utter annoyance. He just has to be so him...all Christian-like.

"I like what I am seeing," He added, his tone a bit softer than before. I looked at him to see a faint smile play over his lips and his eyes lingered over my face, a bit longer than he should, almost like...he meant it.

"Yeah, right," I scoffed, looking down at my miserable state, "I look so ugly," My eyebrow raised, "Actually, for the very first time ever, you feel way out of my league." I mean, putting my hate and annoyance aside, he was...just something else entirely. I am not blind. No wonder I believed every lie he fed me, when you are built like that, you ought to convince anyone anything.

Lines etched his forehead at my words, a bit taken aback by the fact that I was degrading myself, something he is not used to, "You can never be...ugly," He said the word like it came from a foreign language.

I rolled my eyes, I really still don't understand why he is sticking around and worrying about me. He obviously still hates my father with a passion. I am clearly not the same confident, enthusiastic, pretty Lilly that he once knew; so why?

Was the sex that good he is now hoping for a second round? If so, he better gets his mind off the gutter because that ain't ever gonna happen.

"I am not gonna sleep with you," I said out of the blue, speaking my thoughts out loud, which is a characteristic that I still haven't lost yet.

Christian stared at me as if I grew another head, he seemed startled, "What?"

"If you're doing all this, thinking that by the end, I am gonna be like oh Christian have sex with me please," I said the last part with a mocking seductive tone, "Then don't, because it won't happen."

His lips twitched, fighting off his smile, "Sweetheart, not that I would ever say no to having sex with you, because well..." He gave me a teasing look, the smirk curving his lips was something else as he apparently recalled back memories, "But that's not why I am doing this," His eyebrow raised, "If you recall, I didn't even ask that from you."

Oh great, he doesn't even want to have sex with me. I have officially lost my superpowers...

"Unless you want me to ask," He added, teasingly and I looked away from him, letting out a loud groan, "No, no, of course not!"

He chuckled, happy that he is infuriating me. The asshole.

"Is that what goes on in that little head of yours when you are silent," He asked, making me regret saying anything in the first place, "Thoughts about us having sex?"

I shot him a glare, "No, I am just trying to understand why you are being so-"

"Being so what?" He asked when I paused.

"Nice?" I questioned.

His eyebrow raised, "Do I look that incapable of being nice that you are finding it weird now?"

"Yeah...no, I don't know!"

"You're cute when you're frustrated," He commented with a low laugh.

"I hate you," I mumbled under my breath and couldn't be happier when the car came to a pause, two houses away from our own. Wasting no time, I pushed the door open and went down, circling my way to the driver's seat. He opened the door and went down as well, holding into it and blocking my way.

"Thanks for the drive, now can you move?" I said, ushering him to clear my way.

"Hold on," He said, his hand reaching for my arm and pausing my attempt to sneak into the car from the small space behind his huge body. I lifted my eyes up and gave him a very bored look, asking him to say what he wants to say so I can just go inside and sleep this horrible day off.

"Never say that you're ugly again," He said, recalling back to our previous conversation, he hooked his hand under my chin, slightly tilting my head up, his thumb drawing small circles over my skin and beside the corner of my mouth, "You're the most beautiful girl I know."

"First of all, that's so cheesy, and second, I call bullshit," I said. Most beautiful girl he knows? Huh, that's not possible.

His soft expression shifted at my words and he brought his whole hand to my mouth, covering it and playfully shutting it up, "If only you knew just when to use this big mouth of yours," He said, his eyebrow raising at how I keep arguing with him on just everything.

I pushed his hand from over my mouth, "I've never loved my mouth more," I commented, giving him a confident look. At least I know how to annoy him and make him tick.

"I didn't say I hate your mouth," He remarked, his gaze falling into my lips, the look in them so familiar so I shook my head immediately, "Don't you dare kiss me."

He shook his head, "I won't," He whispered, "I know what a forced kiss feels like, Lilly," Even though he tried to keep his eyes from expressing it, I was definite that was heartbreak mixed with a bit of hurt in his tone as he addressed our kiss from the other night. I figured he'd known I only responded in order to take the gun back...

He let his hand drop down, edging backward, building a small distance between us, "So, don't worry, I am not doing this to win you back," He said, being straightforward, "I brought you into this mess, Lilly, I plan to get you out of it. That's all for now."

With that said, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek, "Goodnight," He mumbled before he moved past me and walked away.

Gulping down, I turned around, "How will you leave?" I asked, my voice a bit louder for him to hear as he crossed the street.

His lips tilted up into a small smile, "I will just take a cab."

I curled my hand into a fist, staring at his back as it disappeared into the night. My jaw tightened at these mixed feelings. I felt something akin to...worry, maybe. Fear that he will get himself hurt in the process. I am not sure. This stupid man pulled at my heart for some reason.

***************

Sunday Evening...

I stood in the doorway, my eyes drifting all around...my apartment. My very own place. The empty rooms from yesterday were now filled with furniture; almost everything was neatly organized and positioned.

A low tired sigh parted my lips as I checked the time signaling it was nearing ten pm. I wanted nothing more than to jump on the bed and crash, I've been up on my feet since six in the morning, but with everyone's help, we thankfully got it all done with just a few boxes to spare.

Satisfied with the last results, I turned around and exited the apartment, heading to the one right across from mine. I knocked lightly and waited, fidgeting with the keys in my hand. A few seconds later, the door opened, revealing a shirtless Chase behind...just what I needed.

I gulped down, not expecting that. The strands of his hair were wet still, proving that he had gotten out of the shower not too long ago. Whew, do I love my new apartment or what...

I sucked into a deep breath, stopping my eyes from wandering anywhere below his neck, "I am gonna keep a spare key with you," I said, trying to ignore the fact that he is half-naked as I took one of the extra keys out of the keychain and handed it to him, "Because I always lose my things and if I get locked outside or anything-"

"You'll have me to the rescue," He continued the sentence on my behalf as he took the key from me.

I nodded before my eyes caught the drop of water that ever so innocently fell from his hair, I watched as it traveled down his temple, slowly making its way to the side of his chin before it dropped over his chest. There was no stopping the way my eyes followed its path and my fingers twitched, aching for me to step forward and brush it away...or maybe lick it away. Oh fuck, LILLY!

Chase brought his hand up, rushing his fingers through his wet hair, brushing the stubborn strands away from over his forehead, the muscles of his biceps flexing at the simple task and I just...stopped breathing. There is no air. Where is the damn air?

My throat felt so dry, and dehydrated. I gulped down, fishing for a conversation before he notices me checking him out, "Also, uh, when should I..." I focused my gaze on his eyes, just his eyes Lilly, don't move any lower, just DON'T, "When should I drop by to borrow milk and bread?"

His eyebrows pulled closer at my serious tone, "Milk and bread?"

"Uhuh," I nodded, "Isn't that what neighbors borrow from each other?"

A small smile curved his lips, and I regretted looking at it. His lips looked so soft and pink and...goddammit I need to sleep or else I will attack the man. He leaned against the doorframe, giving me an even better sight to look at it, "Yeah, I am gonna have to stack more of those from now on."

I nodded, "Of course, you should," My eyebrow raised, "The whole love thy neighbor and all."

His eyebrow slightly raised, amusement flickered into the blue of his eyes, and my god, they were so beautiful, it was just so damn unfair, "Well, no problem there."

His simple words and the meaning behind them made my heart beat one single beat faster and I immediately stopped myself. There are limits to not be crossed, I'd be wise to remember that. I could check him out, I could find him hot and fantasize about all of that; there is nothing wrong in that, but feelings and emotions are off the equation here.

"I better go and sleep before I faint on your doorstep," I mumbled, tired, exhausted, and lightheaded because he smelled so damn good I wanted to reach forward and melt into his scent.

He nodded, able to read my exhaustion, "Goodnight," He said, "If you need anything...besides milk and break, well, I am right here," He added with a genuinely warm smile to which I returned, thanking and biding him goodbye as I walked back to my place, shutting the door, locking it and crashing into my new bed.

I buried my face into the pillow and though exhausted, I couldn't sleep all night. My mind was rather busy overthinking the big step I am making, the gun safely tucked under my pillow in case something happens, the hot neighbor next door, his naked upper body, and that damn drop of water that I couldn't brush away.

Yeah, this is gonna be so much fun...

************

Monday

Alex's POV

I let out a very loud sigh that screamed I am in distress as I walked into Ashton's office. He couldn't seem less bothered as he carried on typing on his computer, almost like I didn't exist. Katherine, on the other hand, who was sitting over the couch, flipping through some book, looked up at me, scrunching her eyebrows at my apparent miserable state.

I let out another sigh, my shoulder's falling down in defeat as I slumped over the couch by her side, "Aww, is someone sad?" She said and I pouted, nodding my head multiple times.

She closed her book and placed it aside, "Do you need love?" She asked, talking to me like I am a baby and I nodded my head again, my frown deepening. She chuckled and extended her arms forward, "Aww, come here you poor thing," She said so sweetly and I scooted closer, leaning into her embrace.

"Hey, hey, I need love too," Ashton shot out, his dissatisfied gaze on us.

"Shush, I gave you love last night," Katherine said, waving him off. I shot him an accomplished look as I leaned closer and allowed her to hug me. He harshly shut down his laptop, glaring at me and my audacity as I snuggled into his wife's embrace.

I pressed my head over her chest and lifted my eyes up, "Will you give me the same type of love you gave him?" I asked, winking.

She rolled her eyes and covered my face with her small hand, "Stay sad," She ordered.

I huffed out, my smile dropping and I closed my eyes, "Why are you being overdramatic now?" Ashton asked, not curious, just so very annoyed.

"Lilly is all moved out," I mumbled and Katherine ran her hand through my hair, trying to soothe me, only she can understand my misery now, "All these years when she was in the UK, I kept thinking she will just finish one day, come back and stay with me, but now she is gone again," I added, "Why can't they stay as small little kids?" I mumbled sadly, "Why do they have to grow up?"

"I know," Katherine's tone matched my own as she pressed her chin over my head, "They don't need us anymore, it sucks," She mumbled, ready to burst into tears with me over this topic, "Imagine when they get married and have kids, they will totally forget about us."

"Oh god, don't remind me," I grumbled out with a low groan. Her moving out is one thing, but getting married...yeah, not gonna let that happen.

Ashton sighed, glaring at us both, way too annoyed by our exaggerated reaction. I shot him a glare back, "You are heartless," I mumbled and he rolled his eyes.

He motioned for me to sit straight, "Can you stop hugging my wife now?"

I only buried my face deeper into her chest, aggravating him more, "Sweetheart, your boobs are so comfortable to lay on," My comment was followed by a playful slap to my head from her, and Ashton grating out, "Alex, I swear to god I will kill you!"

"He is all talk and no action," I said before I heard his footsteps get closer and felt his hand curl over my shirt, not so gently might I add, and he pulled me away himself.

I shot him a glare as he hovered over me, "You envious bimbo."

Before he could say anything back, a knock echoed in the office, taking our attention away. Nikolas pushed the ajar door open and stepped inside, his eyes falling on the three of us, his eyebrows pulling together, trying to understand what was going on.

"Oh look, it's you again," Ashton grumbled out, crossing his arms over his chest as Nik got closer, "Do you want me to open an office for you in my company, since you apparently love spending so much time in here."

Nik gave him an unfazed look, so very unbothered as he paused by the couch, his palm rested over the armrest on Katherine's side, and looked at us both. Katherine tilted her head backward, looking up at him, "I need to talk with you later-" She started to say but Nik shook his head almost immediately, "No, never, not happening," He refused, "I know what you want."

I stared at them confused, "What does she want?" I asked.

Nik shot her a glare, "Every time, every damn time she sees me, she asks me if I can kill someone for her," He lowered his gaze at Katherine, whose eyes widened in return, "Hey, I never said kill, threaten to kill. THREATEN," She said, raising her voice, pronouncing the word and stressing on it.

While Ashton facepalmed, having enough of this chaos for one day.

Nik's eyebrow raised, "I am not a hitman for god's sake!"

I chuckled, looking at Katherine, "Who do you want to kill you little innocent devil?"

She crossed her arms over her chest, sinking into the cushion, "Threaten not kill!" She stressed out again, practically shouting, "Anyway, there is this woman, she recently moved into the house beside ours," She started to say and I heard Ashton grumble under his breath, "Here we go again..."

Katherine looked at him, glaring, "Shut up, you!" She said, her cute face all angry and furious as she looked at me, "And she keeps flirting with Ashton, and he is so damn clueless!"

"She wasn't flirting," Ashton tried to say and she cut him off immediately, "Yes, she was, you blind man, she was practically batting her fake lashes and pushing up her silicon-made boobs in your face!"

Ashton looked so done, probably this topic was brought before on many occasions and he slumped into the couch, right beside me, raising his hands up in defeat, "I give up."

I gave him a pity look before I focused on Katherine again, "Silicon-made boobs?"

She nodded, "Yeah," She scoffed, "No one at that age has them all up and perky like that," She pointed at her neck, "They reach till here, I swear."

My eyebrow raised, "Oh, I should visit you guys more often," I said and Katherine rolled her eyes at me.

"So, this is what you guys do around here," Nikolas interjected, crossing his arms over his chest, a bored look on his face, "While I am out trying to find the guy who is threatening us all, you are in here discussing uh," He scrunched his eyebrows, "Silicon-made...stuff."

Ashton sighed, "Ever feel like you're born into the wrong family?" He asked Nikolas, to which the bitch nodded, his eyes on me as he said, "Every single day."

The nerve-

I shot them both a glare, "You know what, you two would've made good friends, both annoying, not funny, and so very unpleasant."

Ashton shrugged, "I do not disagree with you there," He pointed at Nikolas, "He would've made a better business partner than you."

I gaped at him, utterly offended, "You ungrateful son of a bitch-" The last word earned me another punch to the arm. I hate them all, I swear.

Much to Ashton's luck, before I could return the punch; Lydia, his assistant knocked at the door and peeked through, searching for him. He gave her a questioning look, "Caleb is here to see you," She informed and Ashton mumbled some profanities under his breath.

"Make him wait," Ashton shot back and she nodded her head, pretty much used to him being a total jerk when it came to business.

"Caleb?" I asked, confused, "As in Caleb Caleb?" I checked again, "Our Caleb?"

Ashton grunted in response, "And why exactly is he here?" I asked.

He turned his eyes to Katherine, glaring at his wife, "Ask her!"

She rolled her eyes at him, "Look, he and I talked and he has a really good proposition, you should listen to him at least," She tried to explain to her stupid husband, "It could really benefit us, we could use him as our third party and-"

Ashton beside me kept mumbling so many words under his breath that it had Katherine pause, she moved from her position, hovered over me, and slapped his arm, "Stop whining!"

"Yeah, stop being a dick, I've been hearing good things about his work-" I said, looking at it from a business point of view, "Katherine is right, we should hear him out."

Katherine pinched my cheek so adorably before she pecked it, "Ah, I love you for a reason!"

I gave her an angelic smile and Ashton stared at me like I'd grown another head, "Did you hit your head somewhere-" He said in utter disbelief, "Forget that, of course you had hit your head as a kid, or else you wouldn't be...you." Let them insults come, let them... "But for now, did you forget who Caleb is? Are you insane?!"

I rolled my eyes, "Gosh, you are so petty, how many years has it been?"

"The fuck, it's still Caleb!" He looked bewildered that I am not seeing eye to eye with him on this.

"Who is Caleb?" Nikolas asked, curiously.

I turned to him, "He was the bad guy in our life before you came and topped up all the bad guys," I gave him a pretty simple answer.

Katherine chuckled and rested her hand over my arm, "Remember how Cara used to like him."

I rolled my eyes at the mere thought, "My wife was apparently blind and had a terrible taste in men before she met me."

Ashton was fuming beside me, the anger radiating off him was polluting my aura, "Did you forget that he freaking shot you?"

"That was a long tim-"

"He did what?" Nikolas's shocked words interrupted my own, his wide eyes flickering between me and Ashton.

I waved my hand in the air, "Gosh, it was nothing, I've had worse since then-"

"Nothing?" Ashton shot out, "You almost died-"

"Why did I not know about this?!" Nikolas shot out, bewildered for some reason.

My eyebrow raised, "What? Was I supposed to submit a medical report to you when we met? Jesus Christ-"

"Uhm, Hey-" The new voice that came into the room was enough to silence us all. My eyes fell onto the doorway, and Katherine beside me got up to her feet almost immediately, warmly welcoming our new guest, "Oh, Caleb, hey-"

But Nik had other plans, "You son of a bitch-" He grumbled out, marching toward Caleb with fast long strides, a man on a mission as his fingers tightened over Caleb's collar, harshly pushing him up against the wall.

Caleb's eyes grew wide, unable to register what the hell just happened, but Nik gave him no chance to react. He tightened his grip, pushing him harsher against the wall, ready to make a hole through it. His face inched closer to his, a threatening close-up, "Who the hell do you think you are!" Nik snapped, utterly bewildered.

"Wha-...I...what?" Caleb tried to say. It's not every time you walk into a business meetup to end up plastered to a wall by a huge dangerous man...

"Oh shit, he is pulling his gun out," I mumbled under my breath, my eyes widening in pure horror as Nik pulled his gun out and I marched forward before someone dies, "Nikolas, let him go!"

Katherine was also asking Nik to leave the poor guy alone but my dear brother was listening to no one at the moment as he pressed the gun's barrel against Caleb's cheek, "What the hell is happening?" Caleb screeched out, "Who are you-"

"You hurt my brother, you asshole!"

"Who the hell is your brother?!" Caleb shot out in bewilderment.

I facepalmed, my gaze flickering to Ashton beside me who was eyeing the show with a big grin plastered on his face, "Are you happy, you just unleashed a monster-"

Ashton nodded, his smile growing even wider, "Never been happier!"

I was about to step forward and pull Nik away from the man myself but Ashton pulled me back, "No, no, leave him, this is fun," He said, cheering for Nik, "I swear I've never loved your brother, not till this very moment."

Katherine punched his arm, "Do something!" She shot out, "Nikolas, leave him, he-" Ashton pulled Katherine into his chest and placed his hand over her mouth, stopping her from saying more.

I rolled my eyes before I stepped forward, my hand wrapping over Nik's arm, trying to pull him away, "Let him go!" I said, gritting my teeth. Caleb's terrified eyes flickered to me, asking for help and I tugged harder at the crazy man, who was more than ready to shoot him without batting an eyelash.

And Ashton behind me was ready to print out 'Go Nik' T-shirts at the moment, both of them on the same team for once. Seriously, I am the one who is born into the wrong family...

"Leave him the hell alone!" I tried to snatch the gun out of his grip and he pushed me backward, loosening his hold slightly as he faced me, "He freaking hurt you!" He tried to defend his motives. My eyebrow raised and I crossed my arms over my chest, "Well, look who is talking!"

He rolled his eyes, finally letting Caleb go. The poor man was practically panting, his life must've flashed behind his eyes in the last couple of seconds. He fixed his shirt, gulping down, his wary eyes on Nikolas as he took a couple of steps away, building safe social distance.

"That's different," Nikolas grumbled out. I gave him a knowing look, "How different?"

"Hey, I am allowed to hurt you, he isn't!" He said back, as if it made so much sense, "Wow, if we were a couple, we'd be a very toxic one," I said in realization, rolling my eyes at him.

Nik ignored me, his gaze going to Caleb one more time, "If you dare come near him, I will fucking kill you, I mean it," He threatened and I ushered Caleb to walk away, so he won't get accidentally shot at or something.

Katherine went to his side, probably apologizing on our behalf and offering him some water.

Ashton came to my side...no, sorry, to Nik's side. He looked so giddy, like he had just won the lottery. I don't remember him being this happy even when Chase was born. He threw his arm around Nik's shoulder, "From now on, you are my best friend," He said, turning his eyes to glare at me, "I chose the wrong brother to be friends with."

I expected Nik to push him away but to my shock, he indulged him, "Besides that fucking Caleb, is there anyone else?" He asked and Ashton seemed to be thinking it through, "Hmm, let me see-" He started to talk as they both walked away, leaving me standing there alone.

What the actual hell?

**************

Lilly's POV

The week passed in a blur, with work and adjusting to my new environment, I barely had time to scratch my head. I was so busy and buried knee-deep in work that I couldn't overthink nor worry about what tomorrow holds, which was a good thing. Great thing actually. I was in a much better mood due to that only.

I didn't see Chase since I gave him the spare key to my apartment; I heard he also had a busy flight schedule.

Till today.

Which is Friday. Friday is game night. The lackers vs. The Knicks. Quite the important game for us four. And since I am the one who recently moved into a new place, Conner insisted against my will that I have to host the game. Those are the rules, he said.

So, the minute I came back from work, Sally joined me in my place and helped me prepare the settings for game night, arranging the food, snacks, and whatnot.

The guys were Knicks fans, while Sally and I on the other hand were on the Los Angeles Lakers team since always. So, when they knocked, I rushed and opened the door with a big giddy grin, ready to tease them from the start.

Conner beat me to it, "You are so gonna lose!" He said in my face the second I opened the door, so confident as he walked past me and toward the kitchen, dropping the beer and sneaking a kiss from Sally.

Chase leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms over his chest as he eyed me. Amusement danced in his eyes as I tiptoed and twirled around, showing him my purple Lakers sweatshirt, "It's made of a very good quality cotton," I started to explain, "You know so when you lose tonight and cry over my shoulder," I patted at my shoulders, "It can absorb your tears quite alright!"

He chuckled at my teasing and nodded his head forward toward my hair, "Your ribbon," He commented and involuntarily my hand went there, fixing the purple ribbon wrapped around my high ponytail, "What about it?"

His lips curved into a small smile, "Just haven't seen you wear one in some time."

I nodded, "Purple is my lucky color," I said, the tease back into my tone, "Another guarantee that we are winning tonight."

He straightened himself and moved forward, his eyebrow raised ever so smugly, "Don't dream big, little ribbon," He walked past me, joining Conner in the living room, "Don't dream big."

I froze in my spot at those two specific words that he ever so casually threw.

He hasn't called me that since...forever.

I shook my head and returned to the kitchen, helping Sally fetch our food and the beers.

Tonight is just about the game. Nothing else. Definitely nothing else.

*************

Chase's POV

"Yes!" Lilly screamed out in victory and almost fell off the couch when the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a 21-point, second-quarter deficit, beating the Knicks. Sally joined her and they high-fived with both hands, cheering along with the crowd.

Conner beside me slammed the beer in his hand into the table, rather harshly, mumbling a few curses under his breath. I sank into the cushion, my shoulders slumping down in defeat, and I couldn't stop the frown from crawling up my face.

Lilly's enthusiastic happy eyes met mine and she gave me a knowing look, her eyebrow raising and tease fluttered all over her lips, before her gaze drifted to Conner as well, "Aww, are you gonna cry?" She asked him and he cursed another heavy word under his breath that had me elbow him in the stomach.

"Anyways," Conner said, changing the subject, "Sally and I made a bet," He looked at her, a small smirk pulling up her lips, "If we won, she'd have sex with me," He explained, casually shrugging, "And if you guys won, well, I will have sex with her, so either way, I am the winner here."

Lilly shot Sally a glare when she left her side and squeezed herself between me and Conner, talking with him about their so-called bet.

"Traitor," Lilly said loudly before she huffed, gathering the plates all alone and taking them to the kitchen.

I got up, helping her and purposely building distance away from these two before they start sucking each other's mouths in front of me. You'd think they'd care for some privacy, but no...

Lilly's eyes fell on me as I placed the empty beer bottles over the counter. Her smile came back, a very soft tilt of her lips, so genuine and warm, something she hasn't expressed in so long. Her whole energetic giddy self today was very refreshing...that honestly, I am not that sad the Knicks lost.

She pointed at her shoulder, "My shoulder is ready for your tears."

I sighed, "It was a meaningless game anyway," I mumbled and she chuckled, pressing her palms over the counter and pulling her body up, "You're a sore loser, Chase Ryder."

She casually sat on the counter, her legs dangling down. Her hand moved to the leftover chicken wings on her side and she took one, dipping it into the sauce before she bit on it, chewing her food as she ushered me to get closer. And so I did.

I stood between her dangled legs and rested my palm over the counter, right by her thigh. She used her clean hand to tap it over my head, in a soothing manner, "It's okay, you'll do better next time," She said, a mocking edge in her tone and I chuckled, shaking my head at her antics, "You're annoyingly bright when you win, Miss Dolan," I matched her previous tone and she scrunched her eyebrows at me.

She licked the sauce from over her thumb and it took everything in me not to eye the small innocent act. My hand over the counter fisted as I tried to control my thoughts. She is...different today. More like herself. Her smile is coming out so effortlessly, not forced or sad. Her shoulders seem to be relaxed, not holding the heavyweight of the world over them.

Her once pale face that has been getting me more worried that I should is all lit up now.

She reached for some fries, stuffing her mouth, and unaware how I was eyeing and pretty much enjoying every simple move she made. She caught my stare and gave me a sheepish smile, "Sorry," She mumbled, her mouth full before she took another fry and inched it closer to my mouth, forcefully pushing it and feeding me as well.

"Open up," She urged and I took it from her.

Her fingers froze in their place when they brushed my lips as they moved, her gaze on them and she gulped down. She blinked, shaking herself in, and retreated her hand back, her gaze drifted away, pretending to search for water and I clearly noticed the redness creeping up her neck.

Something in my chest moved, my thoughts took me back, remembering the night before we got back here. The kiss we shared, and all the things I was ready to do to her before we got interrupted. We never talked about it again. She didn't ask and neither did I. If possible, it felt more like she was running away from it after, trying to avoid talking about it because truth be told, what would we say?

Lilly sipped on the cold water, "Uhm, we better get back inside, before Conner and Sally start having sex on my couch," She tried to make her tone playful, licking the water off her lips to ease off her nervousness.

The thought came striking back again; what would we say?

The answer was clear in my chest, near the heart I had locked behind heavy doors years ago, and that same answer was a bit more complicated in my head.

It was both simple and so very complicated.

I would say that I wanted her. Right now.

Don't do it, chase. The voice in my head argued.

Oh fuck it, I will do it anyway.

I edged forward and quietly plucked the water cup from her hand and sat it over the counter.

She looked at me in confusion, eyebrows drown together as my thumb and forefinger found her chin and tilted her face toward the right angle.

And then, I kissed her.

***********************************

Hello!

What's up?
How was the chapter?

I hope you're still enjoying the book. We will have a few kind of slow-paced chapters for now as I try to build some side plots, and let our characters breath a little but don't worry, drama will strike again soon xD

I said it before and I repeat; I always enjoy writing the old generation's scene more than anything that includes the young generation. The young ones give me a headache. Sometimes they make me feel like deleting this book and just forget that they ever existed xD

Anyways, waiting to hear your thoughts and as promised by my story on Instagram, I will try to squeeze as much of the requested scenes as possible. If you have any other requests, drop it here as well.

Love y'all <3