"Finally, my guest of honor"
I looked at him with confusion written all over my face. I looked around to see if he meant someone else, but when his eyes met mine, I knew he talked about me.
"Excuse me?" I said sarcastically, he must be joking, right? I never even met that guy and he calls me his guest of honor. I tried to move away from him but it was useless, people were standing in my way and I found myself standing closer to him.
I took a minute to look at him. He looked like a bodyguard-type, tall and muscular with broad shoulders. His eyes were bright green with amber highlights, kind yet mysterious... He smiled softly and let me tell you this, his smile could make all the girls go weak at the knees. Yep, he's attractive.
"I would like to talk to you, in private" he said as he reached out his hand, asking me to come with him. I looked at his hand and then looked back at him, he didn't look like a bad guy... he looked kind and friendly. I crossed my arms and he lowered his hand in response, he leaned in closer to talk to me.
"Your Match is already in my office" he said calmly. I pushed him away immediately after he said that. How did he know Clive is my Match? Only Walker, Liam, Clive and I know about it...
"I'll explain everything, just trust me" he said as he took another step closer. I hesitated, wondering if I could trust him or not. Clive is already inside, probably waiting for me... besides I can't leave without him, he's supposed to drive us back home. Eventually I nodded and he led me through the crowd until we entered an office not too far away from the crowd.
His office looked more like a lounge, it was cosy and modern. The walls were covered in art, beautiful paintings of nature. I saw Clive sitting on the couch with a drink in his hand, he stood up the second he saw me walking inside.
"He knows..." I whispered so softly, I barely heard myself. Clive read my lips and nodded softly, he made his way right next to me as he kept an eye on the host, who poured himself a drink.
"Need a refill?" he asked Clive as he raised his own glass, Clive shook his head as he finished his drink and left the empty glass on the table. He looked worked up, his muscles were tense. He didn't trust him at all and made it look crystal clear to the host.
"What about you, Alissa? Want something?" the host asked calmly as he opened the mini bar to show me different kinds of drinks.
"No, thank you" I said. I only saw alcoholic beverages, so that's a no for me. The host just smiled as he took a sip from his drink, he looked at Clive and I for a few seconds before smiling again.
"Sorry... it's just amazing to see the two of you here. It's a pleasure to meet you" the host said.
"I wish I could say the pleasure is all mine, but it's not. You seem to know a lot about us, how about you tell us who you are first?" Clive said as he crossed his arms.
The guy chuckled softly before he spoke: "You don't trust me, that's understandable. You're right, I forgot to intreduce myself. Alec Campbell" he said as he walked closer to shake Clive's hand.
Clive looked at him for a few seconds before he shook his hand. Alec faced me and also shook my hand for a few seconds, he held my hand a little too long for my liking, before he finally let go. His eyes didn't break contact with mine as he backed away.
"Would you look at that. The King of Warrington Prison and the Queen of Warrington City, standing right in front of me" Alec let out a small chuckle and crossed his arms.
Clive and I looked at each other in confusion before we turned back to Alec. "What?" we both said together, he must be joking.
"Yeah, I heard great stories of Clive Anderson, also known as 'the first prisoner to step foot in WP'. You did a lot of things back there, man. I was impressed when I heard you won all the challenges, and even killed the challengers" Alec said.
"And you, Alissa. I know what you really did the day of the attack, you did good. You showed mercy and even healed the real troublemakers, even if the rest of the world didn't see that part of the footage. You're really talented, I have to admit".
Clive began to laugh but I couldn't figure out if he was joking or not, it seemed more like annoyance. I just stood there with wide eyes, watching Alec casually walking towards me.
Clive took a step forward in response and stood right in front of Alec, placing his hand on Alec's shoulder and pushing him away from me.
"Don't do something that will get you killed, man. Back the fuck off" Clive said through gritted teeth. His muscles flexed when he saw Alec smiling as he slowly backed away in surrender.
"Let's just go" I said as I held onto Clive's arm. The fact that Alec knows so much about us was frightening, because we know nothing about him.
Clive looked at me out of the corner of his eye, his expression softened for a bit. He gave Alec one last glare before he placed his hand on my back and guided me outside. He slammed the door shut and angrily walked towards the bar.
I sighed as I saw him taking a seat and talking to the bartender. I guess I'm stuck here, since I don't know how to drive a car. I was supposed to get my driver's license after my birthday, but I ended up in jail. I knew the basics, but it has been years since I learned how to drive, I practically forgot it all.
I took a seat next to Clive and saw the bartender give him a glass of bourbon. I rested my head on my hand in exhaustion, today was wild. The whole Alec-situation has taken a toll on me, it made me feel tired both psychically
and mentally.
Clive grabbed his glass firmly, he was about to take a sip but hesitated when he looked at me. After a few seconds, he slowly put down his glass and sighed deeply.
"Let's go" he said as he got up, I frowned my brows at his sudden decision.
"No, it's okay. You can stay here if you want, I'll just walk home" I blurted out. I felt like a liability, I'm basically forcing him to adjust for me. He looked annoyed and it bothered me.
"Don't be ridiculous, I'm not gonna let you walk back home on your own. Come on, let's go" he said.
"No, really..." I said but I got distracted by Gabe, who came in between Clive and I. He was happier than usual, probably because all of the alcohol in his system.
"You guys... let's dance. Please, just for five minutes" Gabe said while pulling me closer to him. He started to swing me around to the beat and pulled me in a hug as he smiled brightly.
"Rain check? I'm heading home, maybe another time..." I said as I backed away, Gabe had a disappointed look on his face.
"Correction, 'we' are heading home. You coming too?" Clive said while putting on his jacket.
"No, you guys go. I guess I'm staying here tonight. Here's the key" Gabe said, "Also, Abigail will stay here as well"
Clive and I looked in confusion, Gabe turned around and pointed out Abigail in the distance. She was making out with some random guy. Not that I care, she could stay here forever and use this place as her new 'home'.
"Alright then...enjoy the rest of your night" Clive smiled as he gave his drink to Gabe, who accepted the drink immediately.
The two of us left the building and I instantly felt better, the fresh air filled my lungs as I took a deep breath. My ears were ringing due to the loud music and it wasn't a pleasent feeling at all.
"You okay, darling?" Clive said with a small smile. He put his arm over my shoulders, pulling me closer to him as we walked down the street.
"I am now, I feel like I can finally breath again" I laughed.
"I can imagine, you're not a party animal. These things aren't really your scene, keep it like that" he said laughing. "The car is downtown, it's a 20 minute walk".
I nodded and we both walked through the not so crowded streets. Ten minutes passed and neither of us said a word, his arm was still around my shoulder but he didn't say anything.
I couldn't stop thinking about Alec. He gave mixed feelings, at first I thought I could trust him... but I'm having my doubts now. We know nothing about him and he knows a lot about Clive and I, that's the disturbing thing.
"What's on your mind?" Clive said, bringing me back to reality after I zoned out.
"Alec... do you trust him?"
"Why are you asking me that question if you already know the answer?" he chuckled. It was indeed a stupid question, his answer was obvious.
"Right, you don't trust anyone" I said laughing. It's true though, he doesn't trust anyone. He used to tell me that people will stab you in the back once they get the chance, apparently he's been through it. His 'friends' betrayed him multiple times just like others, that's the reason he has trust issues.
"Not exactly, I trust you" he said as he pulled me closer and kissed my forehead, causing me to smile. "You trust me too, right?"
"Of course I do. You're the only one who stayed by my side these last eight years, I trust you with my life" I looked up and saw his lips curling into a smile. Oh that smile, it's been a long time since I saw him like this.
We walked for another ten minutes until we reached the car. The stars and the moon appeared in the sky, lighting up the road as we drove back home. I looked outside and rested my head against the window, It didn't take long until I drifted off to sleep.
Clive's POV
I have been driving for 15 minutes now and Alissa already fell asleep, she must be exhausted after today. This whole situation just doesn't feel right, Alec is bad news. He knows a lot about us while Alissa and I know nothing about him, except his damn name.
The others must have informed him about what happened back in jail, I'm sure of that. But how did he know about Alissa and I being a match? No one is supposed to know that, except for Walker. But even he isn't stupid enough to blurt it out to someone else.
All of this made me pissed because I couldn't find a logical explanation. I kept thinking about Alec's damn smile and how he tried to approach Alissa, I really wanted to smash his head against a wall. The way he acted around her nearly made me lose my shit.
Now, both Max and Alec have their eyes on her. I swear I'm gonna kill them, they won't come near her.
We arrived after thirty minutes. I tried to wake Alissa up but it was useless, she was fast asleep. I got out of the car and unlocked the door, leaving it open. I walked back to the car, carried Alissa inside and took her to her room.
I went to the kitchen and opened the cabinet with Gabe's 'secret' stash, I grabbed a glass and poured some bourbon for myself. After what happened today, I think I deserved it.
I'm going back tomorrow, I need to know what this guy's deal is. He can manipulate the others by doing 'good' things, but I don't buy that crap. He's definitely not doing these things out of the kindess of his heart.
Two hours passed and it's almost midnight now. I got up and closed the television and the lights before I headed upstairs. I entered my room, took off my clothes and went to bed. Tomorrow is gonna be another long day and I need enough sleep to kick Alec's ass.
- Three hours later -
"Clive..." someone whispered softly. I opened my eyes and saw someone standing very close to me, causing me to get up. "Hey...it's me" Alissa said.
"What the hell? What time..." Alissa held her hand on my mouth to shut me up. "Be quiet, there's someone inside the house" she said. And at that moment, I heard something break downstairs. Gabe and Abigail are gonna spend the night in that building, so can't be them.
I got up and walked towards the door with Alissa behind me. I slowly opened the door and carefully walked to the staircase. 'Ah shit' the intruder murmured as more glass fell on the floor. Alissa walked past me and tiptoed her way downstairs, I wanted to stop her but she was too fast. I walked behind her until we both stood in front of the kitchen door.
"What's the plan?" Alissa whispered.
"Turn on the lights. Go for the kill. You in?" I asked as I reached for the doorknob, she looked shocked but smiled and nodded not long after that. She can protect herself, I can't always make decisions for her. So if she wants to do this, then who am I to stop her?
I swung the door open, turned on the light and saw Gabe standing in front of the fridge with a sandwich in his mouth and a glass in his hand. Alissa pushed me away to take a look at Gabe, pure frustration was written all over her face.
"What the hell, Gabe?!" she yelled as she walked towards him in an angry way. I grabbed her wrist before she could take another step, glass was shattered all over the floor.
"Watch out, the floor is covered in glass. What the fuck are you doing Gabe?"
"Eating a sandwich, duh" Gabe said laughing. He was wasted, he couldn't even stand straight. Gabe carefully made his way towards us, he lost his balance a few times and laughed like a child but that isn't something new.
"I thought you were gonna stay in that building" I said in an annoyed tone, Gabe just laughed as he made his way to the living room.
"Yeah, you know... two guys were fighting and that was a major buzzkill so I asked Alec if he could drive me home" Gabe said as he laid down on the couch.
Alissa and I looked at each other for a minute, she was panicking while I tried my best not to strangle Gabe. He sat up and looked at the two of us with a confused expression before he snapped his fingers and smiled.
"Right... Guys, Alec is that masked guy from the news. Obviously you didn't know..." Gabe laughed.
"Oh, we know who he is. We met him. You see, Miller, he can't be trusted. Alissa and I don't trust him and your stupid ass brought him here!" I yelled at him, he felt threathened by my sudden outburst. He held his hands in the air in defeat and looked down, avoiding any eyecontact.
I let out a sigh before I turned around and went back upstairs. Arguing with him would be pointless, since he's too drunk to understand the situation.
"Hey, can I come in?" Alissa stood in front of my door with her arms crossed.
"Yeah, sure" I said as I lied down. She came inside and sat next to me, her hand on top of mine. She looked like she was about to fall asleep, she kept gasping and her eyes were heavy.
"He didn't mean it, you know. He doesn't know anything about Alec" she said.
"I know that. I'm just stressed and took it out on him, all of this is getting on my nerves" I sighed, Alissa's fingers intertwined with mine while she smiled.
"Yeah, I can imagine... but don't worry, everything will be fine. Alec isn't stupid enough to attack us. He knows we're a match and he also knows we can kill him in a second. He's not gonna risk his life for this" she said. It almost looks like she believes her own words, but she doesn't. She's scared but tries her best at hiding it, too bad she's easy to read.
"You're right, he won't. Now, you look exhausted, go back to sleep. We'll talk again in the morning" I said as I let go of her hand.
Disappointment was written all over her face as she let out a sigh. I hate seeing her like this, but I told her I would be distant towards her. Or better said, I would try to be distant towards her, even though I fail miserably.
She got up and walked towards the door without saying anything. "Goodnight, darling" I said before she almost left, hoping that she would feel somewhat better. Who am I kidding, she's not gonna feel better after a simple 'goodnight'.
"Goodnight" she smiled softly before she closed the door and left. I hate this feeling, seeing her upset because of me. We both agreed on this, with reluctance of course, but I can see she already hates this decision.
I hate it more than her, I'm sure of that. But if this is what I have to do in order to keep her alive, then so be it.
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