The night was dark and quiet. The two lovers lay on the mattress in the blue living room... but one of them lay awake. Alandria's eyes flew to the clock...it was 2 a.m. and she woke up for no apparent reason. Her mind was not at peace...she knew it. She was worried...About what? About everything...herself first...what kind of life awaited her now that she ran away from Aunt Ninana...what about Emmeline? Would she be safe? How would she take care of her future if she does not even know her own? She looked at Zayden...Zayden...her love...he was about to take major risks tomorrow...his life was filled with trouble and sadness too. Poor thing...he was struggling. Was there any way to end all of this madness and make everybody's life go back to normal?

All these thoughts made her uncomfortable and she started sweating a little. She was not going back to sleep. The thoughts wouldn't let her. So she got up and went to sit by the window. She parted the curtain and watched the deserted streets...some dogs walked by. They looked at her then turned away. Life...such a complication sometimes...

Alandria looked at her hands, thinking about might lay ahead. Without knowing it she spent a few minutes there...just thinking about how she would handle all of this.

"And here I thought you would be wanting some rest" Zayden voiced echoed.

She looked behind to see Zayden looking at her with a smile.

"I'm sorry" she smiled, "I couldn't sleep."

"I can see that" Zayden said, observing her, "Come here"

"No...you come here"

"Yes, ma'am" Zayden said in a playful tone and went to sit next to her.

They both looked outside for a little while then Alandria spoke.

"Zayden...I am terrified of the future." this summed up everything she felt.

Zayden remained quiet. 

"I feel...I am going break...but...I love you, please do not doubt my love for you. I really do. But I also feel that I am going to make major changes in my life...I am afraid...and I am worried for Emmeline."

"I know how you're feeling. Believe me, I shouldn't have brought you into this world of mafia...I love you Alandria and I promise you and Emmeline will always be safe. You will never have to worry about it. That is my promise. Just trust me."

Alandria watched him as he spoke. He was sincere. She knew it. 

"Tomorrow we will talk about how to sort everything out. You will see."

"Why not now?" she moaned.

"Because our life will be very different...um...I mean we will have less time for romance as we will have to take care of Emmeline and school stuff."

"We are going back to school?"

"That or private tutoring. You need to finish your studies. And please stop worrying about the money. You know I got this."

"It's unfair to let you do all of that. I'll do a part time job. Don't even begin to say no!" Alandria was categoric. She was thankful to him but she wanted to be able to make money for her and he sister.

"Suit yourself. If this is important for you then feel free. But I will have my eyes on you. I need to make sure you are safe wherever you are working."

"It won't be necessary. I could work from home."

"That is a great idea!" Zayden smirked.

Alandria nodded back with a smile. She knew that their lives were in danger and she was not about to risk hers and make him worried.

The silence was back.

"So you think you can be a mafia princess...and take my job from me?"

Wow! Where did that come from? What happened to his voice all of a sudden?

"Zayden?"

Her heart started beating faster.

"I saw how the guys preferred you over me" he was starting to appear menacing...oh no...was it...was it...his illness again? But he was cured...or was he?

"Zayden...are you...?"

Zayden grabbed hold of her hand and pulled her towards him gently.

"Cuz I'd happily be your prince..." he whispered in her ear and chuckled.

"Oh man! You scared me!" she cried.

Zayden wrapped his arms around her and leaned in gently. He stopped when he was inches before her lips and looked at her lips then her her eyes.

"I really scared the hell out of you didn't I?" after saying that he chuckled and Alandria glared at him.

"I'm sorry....love hahaha!" she was trying to get his arms off her now, "Hey it was a joke! Come on! You know I love you...Alan...Alandria!"

Alandria walked away, but had a smile twitching at the corner of her lips. Zayden ran behind her and pulled her towards him.

"I'm sorry...I love you. I love you..."

"Hmm" she crossed her arms, looking away.

"Can I get a kiss?"

"No"

"Please?"

"No. Go back to sleep."

"Ohh...ok...I'm sorry babe...I didn't mean to offend you..." Zayden said and waited. Alandria did nothing so he nodded and lifted his hands up, "Alright alright, I deserve it. I am going back to bed."

Alandria watched him leave and shook her head. She then went back on the mattress and watched him. She lied next to him. He seemed to be asleep. Oh...did he really thought she was angry?

Alandria then let her fingers glide on his nape and leaned in to look at him. He was asleep...so soon?

"You're forgiven. I love you" she knew he was not asleep yet. She kissed him on the cheek and hugged him.

"Alandria." Zayden called.

"You are not asleep yet...?"

Zayden turned around and pulled her towards him. He now held her in his arms.

"I love you so much."

"I know" Alandria smiled, "I love you too."

"You're...everything I could ask for. You know that right." his tone had changed. 

His fingers went to her hair and she felt a tingling sensation. She closed her eyes and opened them to see Zayden moving close to her to kiss her forehead. She wrapped her arms around him and they kissed. At first it was a sweet one and she felt the warmth of his lips...the kiss slowly turned more intense.

"I'm I....going too fast?" Zayden whispered.

"No" she replied.

He let his passion take over and she didn't hold back and let the kiss be as passionate as it had never been. Why did it suddenly feel...like it was the last time...? He seemed so restless...his lips moved from her lips and crashed on her neck. She let a moan escape her lips and Zayden kissed her with more passion. Her heartbeat was faster than before and she pushed the evil thoughts from her mind and allowed the ecstasy of his kiss replace everything. 

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

Alandria eyes slowly fluttered open, but she instantly closed them again. She wanted to sleep more...she felt so tired and she needed more sleep. Last night's thoughts came back to her...but they quickly faded like smoke in the air and she fell in deep slumber. 

What was Emmeline doing playing on the floor like this...the floor was dirty. Someone really had to mop the lobby's floor once in a while. But it wasn't that dirty yesterday...what the hell? And when did Emmeline come back? She was supposed to be here at 11! Was it already....?

Her eyes swapped open and she sat up in a jerk. Her eyes' then flew to the clock to see that it was 9. Whew! It was still 9! Uh...it was 9...wow she slept a lot. And they did not even do anything except kissing and cuddling...what would happen when they would...oh well.

Her cheeks flushed and she looked to her side to see a sleeping Zayden.

"Oh love..." she said lovingly as she kissed him on the cheek. He looked so cute when he slept.

She didn't want to wake him up so she got up as slowly as she could, took her glasses from the table and tiptoed to her room. She had a nice shower, combed her hair and emerged out in a yellow and green floral dress. She looked quite cute, Zayden would love it. She knew it.

She then hopped down the stairs and arrived in the lobby only to see a familiar face.

"What the..." she muttered to herself, perplexed.

What in the world was SHE doing here?? Didn't she have a job to do?

"Hi..." Alandria said, unsure, "Nurse Nia..."

Nurse Nia was standing in front of her in stilleto heels, a short skirt and a floral shirt.

Well, that makes two of us, Alandria thought as she looked at her shirt.

She gave her defiant and arrogant look, which was weird. She looked different, not only because of her looks...but because of her air of superiority or something...like she owned the place.

"Babe!" she called out, looking behind Alandria.

"I'm not your..." Alandria began but then realised that she was actually talking to.........ZAYDEN!

Zayden was coming down from the stairs, his hair wet. He wore a pair of dark blue jeans and a dark blue shirt along with his dark shoes. Why was everything so dark...?

She looked through the window...the sky was a bit dark too. What the...

Zayden bypassed her and went towards the nurse to hug her.

Alandria's jaws dropped as she saw Zayden hug her tightly and give her a kiss on her cheek.

"Hey babe...I missed you so much..." he continued.

"WHAT THE HELL!" Alandria burst out. The hell was happening? Why was he kissing her? Why was he being so lovey-dovey to her?? What was wrong with Zayden?

"Ohhh you did not tell her?" Nurse Nia pouted.

"It's a minor detail..." Zayden winked at her then turned to Alandria.

"I see that you are ready! That's good. I did not tell you earlier but Nurse Nia and I are dating."

"That's some minor detail your forgot to mention..." Alandria said through gritted teeth.

"I know. I'm sorry. But you need to leave now. We are all leaving actually. Start a new life Alandria. I am not meant for you." Zayden finished as he looked away.

"Zayden. Are you dumb?" Alandria was trying not to freak out, "Are you really dumb?"

"What?"

Her heart was beating abnoramlly fast. She felt that she was about to yell and cry at the same time...but she will keep her composure. She needs to! Especially in front of that bitch! First of all she checked of she was awake by pinching herself. Yes, she was awake...and things really turned upside down.

Author Note: I hope you like this chapter! I know things got a little messy at the end and you are confused! Don't worry. Everything will become clear later on. Have a nice day dear readers!