What had started off as a boring evening, turned out to be much, much more than that.

Jason chuckled, readjusting the chains around his neck in front of the mirror as Felix sat on a chair, his legs crossed on top of his desk. A cigarette was propped in between his fingers, consistently taking a long drag.

"Excited, kiddo?" Felix smirked. Jason suppressed the urge to roll his eyes as he ran a hand through his hair, his eyes still fixated on his own reflection. "You're one year older than me." He shot back, though a simper curled his lips.

"You're twenty one, I'm twenty three. Simple maths, mono."

"My birthday is in a week and a half, your argument is invalid." Jason turned around and drooped himself on the little couch, grabbing his glass of vodka. Felix cocked his head to the side, contemplating what Jason had said and then decided to nod, putting the cigarette between his lips. "I hear ya, boy."

Jason drank contently, his mind wandering off. Ever since visiting Alexia he was feeling absolutely tremendous, not caring about the deep shit he was in. That night with her was possibly the best night he'd ever had. Her moans and gasps were still fresh in his brain, the way she'd ridden his dick probably lingering with him forever. There was no way in hell he could ever fuck a girl after him and Alexia had sex—she'd pushed the standards up too high for anyone to reach.

He didn't mind. Alexia was the only one for him and for as far as he was concerned his choice was set. She was the only woman he wanted to love, kiss, hold, make out with, make love to, move in with, marry, have children with...

Just the thought of having little Alexia's and little copies of him running around the house sent jitters all throughout his body.

"You know, I've never liked that Damian guy." Felix thought out loud, extinguishing his cigarette. Jason looked up, somewhat perplexed by Felix' choice of topic. Out of everything he could've talked about, he decided to talk about Damian?

"He's always been so..." Felix scrunched his nose, trying to find the word, "fake. After Emilio announced that he'd found his runner up, we were all expecting one of his sons to be it, you know? That wouldn't have been a surprise because one, they're his sons, and two, they're all excellent when it comes to the business, even that one son that retreated after some vague incident."

Jason nodded, "Dominic."

"Yeah, him," Felix said, "I think that everyone would fully support one of the Valdez sons if they were to be the leader. Albarran however... Everyone knows everyone in this business, chico, so Albarran wasn't 'unknown'. I think he was... respected. Nowhere near the big league, Valdez, De Leon, Zaragosa... those are the big names. There were bets made, y'know? Everyone bet on Emilio's sons and some people bet on the Zaragosa twins, but no one could've expected that someone from the 'common' people would be it. I mean... even my grandfather was baffled, and he is the first in the Alarcon blood line to be so close to the business. We've never been very connected to it, always a lil' on our own, but we're a part of it nonetheless."

Jason nodded again, listening to Felix' drunken jive. He wasn't so interested, but it was satisfying to hear how Damian was a no one before Emilio decided to grant him the biggest prize of all; leadership.

"Anyway," Felix slurred, "like I said, we were all surprised. Then we were like—let's just see how it goes, eh? Sir Emilio must've picked him for a reason. I do have to say, when we heard 'bout the youngest Valdez daughter getting engaged with that low life, Damian got some hate from some guys. Alexia was the realest catch of this whole ruckus, we all knew that."

Jason growled, pinching his glass tightly. It disturbed the hell out of him to hear how many men had been after her since the beginning of this all.

"Don't you worry, hermano," Felix shrugged, "we respect the women in our community and as much as she was wanted, no one dared to even look at her after that was declared. Not me though, I am happy with my baby Claudia. So anyhow we said we'd just see how Albarran would do as a leader."

"Uh-uh."

"He sucks! We've already lost millions, we've lost clients, we've lost fights... Just try to see this, Jason, hundreds of families in the business are against Albarran, but no one can voice their worries because it would seem like we were doubting sir Emilio, and we all love him. We love him though, not Albarran. Hey, I'm babbling, what time did you say your friends would be here?"

Jason glanced at his watch, "In five minutes."

"Wonderful."

It was Saturday and Claudia was out, something vague about a Girls' night out and strippers, Jason wasn't really paying attention. Him and Felix were watching television blasé, both bored off their asses, until Jason had fret about not being able to see his best friends, and Felix had then opted to call them. Jason was uncertain, reluctant to throw Stefano's orders out of the window, as Stefano had commanded him to not talk to anyone in a radius of twenty miles to Damian Albarran. But then again, he did visit Alexia, as dangerous as it was.

So, why not?

Felix promised that he would make sure no one would see them, as long as Jason was convinced that they wouldn't rat him out, which Jason was.

Thus, Felix made the call. Jason would lie if he'd say hearing their voices didn't make him happy. Chaz and Ryan were like his brothers, and he felt most comfortable around them.

Ryan sounded cautious as Felix gave them the address. He wouldn't tell them why, in case someone was listening to their conversation, and just urged that they had to be there, even if it was a four hours drive.

"What's your plan?" Jason asked, twirling his glass.

"You guys go for a bite first, I'll make sure to secure the place."

Jason nodded, "And we'll hit some clubs after that, right?"

Felix nodded, "Right."

"Fucking amazing, thanks Felix."

"Don't sweat it. Hey, when I say that we've got to leave, we do so, yeah? Don't wanna risk you getting caught, Albarran has eyes and ears everywhere."

"Deal." Jason finished his drink, putting it on the table beside him with a smack. Felix finished off just a few moments later and they both left his office to go sit in the living room, waiting patiently for the boys to arrive.

Impatiently when it came to Jason, because he couldn't sit still.

"Have I told you the story about when Clau—" but Felix didn't get to finish, as the door bell rang and Jason nearly jumped out of his seat, spurting towards the front door. His heartbeat accelerated, not bothering to abolish the wide grin that curled his lips.

Chaz was the first to react when Jason had opened the door, pushing Ryan out of the way to pull Jason into the tightest hug they've ever given each other. Jason snickered, clapping Chaz' back.

"You fucking dickhead!" Chaz snapped, not letting Jason go. Jason chuckled again, "I know, I'm sorry."

"We thought you were dead—let him go Chaz," Ryan chimed in, smiling widely, almost unable to contain his happiness. Chaz tightened his arms around Jason, "No."

"Chaz, c'mon," Ryan irritably exclaimed, pulling him away by his shoulders. Chaz protested, but Ryan wasn't listening as it was his turn to hug his best friend. There was a short silence until he whispered, "We missed you, bro."

Jason nodded. He had not expected the ache that came with seeing his best friends, knowing he still couldn't go back home. Pulling away, he scratched his neck awkwardly and took a deep breath. "We'll talk during dinner."

"We're going for dinner?"

"Yeah, Felix is taking us." As if on cue, Felix appeared beside him, a polite expression on his face as he stuck out his hand. Ryan was the first to shake it, "Ryan."

"Felix, it's nice to finally meet ya, this mono has talked about you guys non-stop for the two and a half weeks that he's been here."

Chaz pulled up his eyebrows, shaking Felix' hand as well. Gesturing them towards his car, Felix begun chatting with Chaz as Ryan took that as the opportunity to talk to Jason.

"Are you... you know, safe?" he murmured, frustration lingering in the air after he finished speaking those words. Jason sighed, not looking at Ryan as they both got into the car, taking the back seats. Felix and Chaz were still engaged in a chilled conversation, not paying attention to the two in the back. Chaz, however, glanced at Jason every once in a while, upholding the fact that he was really there.

"I am safe here." Jason whispered, referring to Boston, "but he's still after me. That's why I can't come back and that's why I couldn't contact you."

Ryan knit his eyebrows together in perplexity, "But... How do you know him?" He cocked his head towards Felix.

Jason scrunched his nose, realizing that if he was going to explain, he'd have to start explaining from the fire.

"We'll talk about it during dinner."

-

Felix had dropped them off at some Italian restaurant, ensuring Jason that he was somewhere nearby, watching out for them. They'd gone inside, took their seats and ordered their food. Up till then, everything was fine and dandy, but when Chaz demanded an explanation, the mood dropped.

"It's... a long story." Jason admitted, his stomach obstinately clenching. Ryan cleared his throat awkwardly. Chaz merely looked at him before facing Jason again.

"How about you start off with where the fuck you and Alexia went that one day two and a half weeks ago before you just disappeared?" he mumbled.

The bitterness he had used for saying Alexia's name didn't go unnoticed, but Jason decided to get back to that later on. He was flummoxed, because Chaz was one of Alexia's best friends, always had been, which is part of why he didn't comment on it. Instead he took a deep breath and replied, "We went to my place. She drove me there, although my crutches had already been off for like, I don't know, three days?"

Chaz' face alternated but to be quite honest, Jason didn't comprehend the look he was giving him so he just continued. "You know Alexia and her shit driving skills, so there was a little moment where we almost died," he chuckled, but neither of them even flinched, "but nothing happened. We arrived and after a while I convinced her to come inside with me."

"Why wouldn't she?"

"Because I had been a dick to her during the ride." Jason frowned, not really sure how Chaz' question had anything to do with it. He gestured with his hand for Jason to continue.

"We went inside," Jason muttered, his throat clutching together and his stomach churning. His back instantly heat up, as if he was back in his living room, the flames burning his skin.

"It's quiet, I thought everyone was home." Jason noticed out loud in surprise, his hand leaving Alexia's to quickly peek at the hallway.

No one.

Alexia crossed her arms in front of her chest. "This was not a trick to get me somewhere private, was it, McCann? Because we are going to talk, you promised me we would talk."

Jason ignored her, bursting in the kitchen with no luck either. "Mom? Dad?" he tried, but there was no such thing as a response.

"What is that smell?" She said, her nose scrunching.

Stop it. Do not start thinking about it, Jason.

Although he'd managed to cut the memory short, hysteria boiled up his body and his fists reluctantly clenched. He hated thinking about how helpless he was, he hated the thought that had doomed on him that very day, knowing he was going to die and he hated the way Alexia had screamed his name, desperately wishing for him to come save her, when in fact, he almost didn't.

She could've died.

He felt panic yet enmity weaving his head, his hand tightening around the first thing, which in this case was his drink.

She could've died.

"Jason?"

She could've died.

"Jason, are you ignoring me?"

She could've died.

"No." Jason immediately snapped, looking up. Chaz pulled up an eyebrow, "You didn't continue."

"Right," Jason murmured, letting the glass go. "Okay, so we went inside, straight into a fire. I somehow found the strength to drag her towards the exit," he took a deep breath, "because I was a fucking goner man, but hearing her screaming for my help... She needed me. I would not let her die in that hell hole. I don't remember what happened after that, I passed out. Apparently she pulled me out of the house before passing out herself." Just talking about her hurt, he longed for Alexia unendurably much, and it has only been a week.

Chaz snorted. Jason looked up in annoyance, not understanding how this was supposedly facetious to him. Chaz ignored the glare and ordered him to continue. By now, Jason was pissed.

"I woke up in a bunker. Damian was there, he threatened me a bit, told me about the amazing sex him and Alex used to have, then tortured me. He had to leave for something so I took that as the chance to get the fuck out of there, bumped into Stefano, he patched me up, gave me money and sent me away so I would be safe. Now I live with Felix and Claudia, satisfied?"

"What the hell..?" Chaz spoke, not really sure whether he was referring to the content of everything Jason had just said, or the way he had said it.

"Yeah what the hell is right." Jason sneered, glowering at Chaz. Ryan sighed, "Jase..."

"Don't Jase me, why the fuck would you snort when I'm telling you about how I almost got killed? Is this funny to you?" Jason threw his jacket off in fury, turning around in his chair loudly, gaining the attention of a few other people, "is this," pulling up his shirt, he didn't care about the fact that there were other people near, showing his back, "funny to you? Is it really, Somers? Because let me tell you, I am going through fucking hell and back, and you giving me this stupid attitude is just pissing me off."

Pulling his shirt back down, he grabbed his jacket from the ground, ignoring all the curious glances people were sending his way. Ryan's and Chaz' eyes were wide, both taken by surprise.

"What happened to your back?" Ryan asked, worry radiating off of him. Jason narrowed his eyes at him, "Were you even listening? I got burned! Alexia's calves look pretty bad, too."

Ryan now seemed even more concerned, so Jason quickly added, "but her wounds aren't as bad as my back. She's getting it treated."

"Good for her." Chaz puffed sarcastically, causing Jason to fully commit to his anger. "What is your fucking problem, Chaz?"

"Alexia is! I can't stand that cheating bitch."

As fast as he had muttered those words, Jason was quick to jump up off his chair and jab him right in the face, causing much uproar by pushing the table away so harshly that everything fell off of it, making loud cluttering noises. Everyone visiting the restaurant looked up and some shrieked, realizing there were two fighting men.

"Jason, stop it you idiot!" Ryan spat, trying to grab him by his shoulders, failing miserably.

"Don't you fucking dare talk about her like that," Jason hissed, whacking another fist into Chaz' face. Chaz struggled, trying to pry himself away from Jason's hold. "She honestly has you so wrapped around her finger! It's disgusting, she's fucking cheating on you Jason!"

There was a silence. Jason let Chaz go but didn't change his posture, "No, she's not."

"Yeah she is."

"No."

"Yeah."

He knit his eyebrows together in confusion, trying to think about it, but immediately pushed that thought away. Alexia wouldn't do that, besides, the only person she would cheat with would be Damian and she hated his guts.

When Chaz saw Jason thinking, he took that as his opportunity to elaborate, "We all saw it. She walked in the cafeteria sore as hell, and when we confronted her about it she just became pissy and walked away."

"Wait—when?"

"Does it matter?" Chaz exclaimed in disbelief, throwing his hands up the air. Jason took deep breaths, trying to compose himself no matter how futile this situation seemed to him. Within the corners of his eyes he could spot Felix' big frame approaching the entrance of the restaurant.

"Chaz, answer me," Jason spat, not oblivious to the staff members beginning to surround them. Felix made eye contact with him, silently ordering him to get out of there.

Grabbing his jacket, he decided to drop the subject for now, looking at Ryan and Chaz, "Guys, scram."

They both snatched their stuff hastily, following Jason to the exit.

"Estúpido!" Felix hissed, pacing towards his car with big steps. "You are not supposed to stand out! Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

"No, I just... I got angry." He responded, climbing into the car. Chaz and Ryan both did the same and Felix locked the door before starting the car, quickly pulling out of the driveway, his hands clenched around the steering wheel tightly.

"Well make sure that doesn't happen anymore. I bet Albarran has already heard of this."

"Is Albarran Damian?" Chaz wondered from the backseat.

"Yes." Jason and Felix both replied in unison and annoyance, shutting Chaz up. As they drove further and further away from the restaurant, Jason aimlessly got lost in his thoughts about Alexia and Chaz. There was no way what he was saying was true.

Because if it was true, it meant that all of this was for nothing.

"You didn't answer me. When did this happen?" he broke the silence, feeling Felix' curious gaze. Chaz sighed, "Like, ten days ago? I don't know. It doesn't matter."

Alleviation washed over him, letting out a subtle laugh. It had been him, he was the one that had sex with her that night, he was the reason she was sore that morning.

"Why are you laughing?"

"It was me, idiot. I was with her, we fucked all night."

"What?" Ryan snapped, his eyes wide. Jason shrugged, "Yeah, I couldn't bear to be without her anymore. Don't look at me like that—you would do the exact same if it was Sienna."

"That's not the point!" Ryan breathed, "You mean that, she has known about you all this time and she didn't tell us?"

Jason suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. "She promised me she wouldn't tell anyone, besides, you accused her of cheating, I doubt that she even wanted to tell you after that."

"That is no excuse, she's in the wrong."

Jason groaned, "Now listen to me clearly, both of you," he turned around in his seat so he could face them. "I am so fucking done with you trashing Alexia as if she's done something so wrong. If you really feel all of this hatred towards her, you can get the fuck out of this car, because I'm not putting up with this shit. All I wanted was a night out with my two best friends, but if you're going to keep doing this I'll just go the fuck home. I have enough important crap to think about."

Neither of them replied.

"So, are we going to have fun in this club or are you going to continue bitching about my girl?" He pulled up his eyebrows.

Ryan sighed. "Fine, let's just have fun."

-

The club was packed. Stentorian music and loud beating suffused the place, giving no one the chance to even think about uttering a word. Men and women congested every breadth, a slight smell of alcohol and sweat lingering in the air. Neon lights flashed every so often throughout the building, the crowds all capering to the bops. Jason grinned, following Felix through the heaps of people, feeling more exhilarated by the second. Ryan and Chaz conveyed the impression that they were already enjoying it, laughs dominating their faces.

Although Felix had a smile on his face as well, he was alert at all times. His body was flexed and his ears were perked up, ready to pick up whatever suspicious adage was being said. He felt responsible for Jason and whatever he had coming for him if he didn't protect him well enough. Yes, Jason was old and bold enough to take care of himself, but he wasn't familiar with the business and had no idea how lethal it was when the leader wanted him dead.

Felix lead them to some kind of lounge, not getting in before whispering something into the bouncer's ears. "They're with me."

"Have fun Alarcon." The bouncer nodded, opening the door.

They entered a dimmed area, red sofa's and cushions plastered against the wall, the centre of the room containing a big stand with buckets of ice on every inch, filled with bottles of alcohol. The music was less loud here, but that didn't mean that it was subdued.

There were few people, dancing or drinking, clearly too engaged with themselves to care about the four men walking in. Felix closed the door and threw himself on the red couch, puffing out a breath before scooting closer to the drinks. "Enjoy yourselves, mis amigos, tonight is all 'bout letting loose."

He didn't have to tell them twice. Jason, Ryan and Chaz caved in, grabbing the drinks as excitement rushed through their veins. Jason looked at his best friends before throwing his head back, the entire substance of his drink gliding through his throat. The last time he'd gone out with just them two was months ago, before Alexia even had come back. This felt amazing.

They danced, sung, chatted but most importantly, they got drunk as fuck. By the end of the night and the beginning of the morning, their heads were spinning and they loved it. Felix was passed out on the couch next to Ryan, who had his eyes closed but prattled something unintelligibly. Chaz and Jason were still going strong, gulping drink after drink.

After some time, they left the VIP lounge and engulfed themselves into the dance floor, bobbing their heads and chanting along to whatever song was blaring through the speakers. Jason faintly recognized the Drake song, immediately feeling more connected to it as he yelled out the lyrics, Chaz mimicking his actions.

With every Drake song he heard, he had a picture of Alexia in his head. For as far as he could remember, she'd rapped along to every song the rapper owned, in front of Jason's eyes. Right now, whatever this song was called, he begun to remember that one time they went clubbing.

The booze, the club, his company... Jason was finally having fun, not having a care in the world as he forced himself to not think about the mess that was his life.

Minutes later, a tall brunette swirled herself around Chaz, displaying her breasts in a disturbing way as she pushed herself against him, swaying along to the music. Jason expected Chaz to push her away. Chaz, however, hesitated for a second but then yelled, "Fuck it!" and crashed his lips against the girl's.

Jason parted his lips in surprise. Had Chaz and Chloe broken up? He hadn't been gone for that long, had he? Just three weeks ago Chaz and Chloe were joined to the hip, not letting each other go.

He mouthed 'Chloe', frowning at Chaz. Chaz caught it and made a big deal out of shrugging, mouthing back 'Fuck it'. Jason shrugged as well, continuing his eventful night. Chaz was his best friend and he was not interested in their relationship, if Chaz wanted to cheat then he would do so, Jason didn't have a say in it. Besides, Chloe was a bit irritating.

They partied until 8 in the morning, having to drag Ryan out of the lounge while they were both just as drained. Felix had woken up, making sure no one saw them as they left the club. He drove them to his place and pointed Chaz and Ryan to their guest rooms as Jason just went inside his own, throwing himself on the bed and closing his eyes.

The last thought that went through his mind was, this will all be over soon.

Little did he know.

-

"I am dead." Chaz complained, his head on the kitchen table. No one responded, everyone dealing with their own hangover. Felix had his head in his hands, Ryan drank water like there was no tomorrow and Jason stared at the wall in front of him, determined to not move his head whatsoever. Every movement was like a jab in the head.

"I drank too much. I know I don't handle alcohol well, why do I do this to myself?" Ryan groaned, not pleased with himself. Everyone grunted in response. Jason ignored the throbbing in his head, listening to the front door opening and closing loudly.

They all groaned in unison again, not looking at the person that appeared in the kitchen.

"He—we have guests?"

"Claudia, please baby, don't talk so loud." Felix urged, keeping his head on his hands. Claudia let out a laugh, joining the guys around the table. "I'm guessing you guys went out and had a little bit too much to drink?"

"You guessed right." Chaz mumbled.

She laughed again and focused on Ryan and Chaz. "I'm Claudia, Felix' wife." She stuck out her hand, and Ryan shook it, "I'm Ryan, that's Chaz. We're Jason's best friends."

"Ah... Heard a lot about you." Looking at Jason, she chuckled. "You okay there, Jason?"

"I'm trying not to move my head."

"You'll have to blink eventually."

He blinked. "Fuck, I was doing fine Claudia."

Her laugh filled the kitchen again, getting up. "Let me make you guys the best hangover food ever."

As she made her way to the fridge, she pressed a gentle kiss on top of Felix' head, causing Jason's chest to clench. He wanted what they had. He wanted Alexia to take care of him after a fun night out with Chaz and Ryan, he wanted to be with her whenever he desired.

He would never have that.