Alex's POV

The dinner went well, except that the Champagne that was supposed to be mine, Clara Bell almost finished it. I knew she's upset with Claire, and she vented out her anger by drinking. I tried to stop her, but she just gave me a quelling look, and I caved in.

She told me she needed it more than I do so I resigned even though I don't want to talk to her when she's drunk. Even if she's adorable and honest when she's drunk, it didn't also help the fact that she's even hotter when she's sloshed.

I didn't want to tell her about what Claire had told me, but I was too mad with the thought that Claire had managed to win her loyalty, her trust. At last, she believed me, but I wasn't happy with the thought that I have to tell her that before she realized who her friend was.

She swayed when she got up from her seat after I paid our bill. I quickly pushed my chair backward almost toppling it causing us to draw attention, but I didn't care.

She giggled when I caught her before she fell face first on the table. The table shook when she tried to grab the edge to balance herself. The flute bobbled, the empty dishes swayed back and forth. Using my leg, I stopped the table from shaking as I tried to hold Clara Bell's weight.

"I shouldn't have let you finish it," I said regretfully, but she only giggled.

I gave the waitress an apologetic nod before leading her away. We already earned too much attention. I'm sure we are the headline tomorrow.

I took her small purse and almost carried her out of the restaurant. Her very feminine scent tickling my nostrils, it didn't also help that I'm holding her, her softness against me, it sent my senses spinning.

Langdon saw us as soon as we got out of the door, and he quickly came to help me. Clara Bell slumped against me as soon as I sat next to her in the backseat. She had mumbled something before she passed out.

I leaned my back against the leather seat and shut my eyes. I let out a deep sigh.

So much for the enjoying the night.

When I snapped my eyelids open, I met Langdon's gaze through the rearview mirror.

"To her condo, Langdon," I scowled.

The car moved smoothly with the traffic. Once in a while, I glance at her. Her face facing me, her warm breath fanning my neck as she breathed.

The smell of the Champagne mixed with her natural breath smelt rather stimulating. I willed myself to think of something else, to divert my attention.

The car parked in front of her building. The building's valet opened the door, and I slipped out, then gently carried her out of the car in a bridal style.

She opened her eyes then peered at me before she curled her hands around my neck, then she smiled lazily before closing her eyes.

"Take her purse, Langdon," I ordered before I head inside the lobby to the elevator. I ignored the staffs and residents in the hall as I strode towards the elevator. Langdon pressed the button, and I adjusted Clara Bell in my hands. She's not heavy. She seemed to weigh like a feather. I wonder what she eats every day. She's so slender.

She needs more meat.

I stepped into the elevator as soon as it opened, Langdon followed behind me. I gave him her floor number, and he punched it. Not soon enough, the elevator reached our destination. I'm getting impatient as the door slowly slides open.

"Take her key out of her purse and open the door, Langdon. Then you can rest for the night," I ordered, and he obliged quietly.

As soon as I lay her in her bed, I took her shoes off, then went to take her toothbrush. I struggled to brush her teeth. She was half awake and fighting me as I tried to keep her mouth open as I brush her teeth. After an hour, I finally get to clean her, but I had no energy left to change her clothes.

I tucked her inside her bed cover and decided to sleep in the guest room where I slept before.

.....

Clara Bell's POV

I woke up with a start. The room was so quiet, and the sun was not out yet. I slowly got out of bed, and suddenly, I felt like the world spun around me. I stood for a moment and shut my eyes tight, trying to regain my balance. My hands shot out, aiming for the bed in case I fall.

My head was starting to pound. I winced as I opened my eyes and everything seemed normal except for a growing headache.

Coffee.

I need coffee.

I slowly made my way to the washroom, and as I did so, I noticed I was still wearing the dress from last night.

I remembered Alex.

Did he sleep here?

I quickly discarded all my clothes and threw them on the floor, then stepped inside the shower. I adjusted the water to my desired temperature, then stood under the spray head. The warm water cascaded down my head to my body. It's like a warm palm stroking my skin. I let the water run over my head for a while as I tried to remember what happened last night.

Not long, I was in my white Yoga short and paired it with black halter yoga tank top. The headache wasn't as bad as when I woke up, and warm water had lightened my mood for a bit.

I headed straight to the kitchen and made my coffee. I didn't bother making breakfast as I don't feel hungry. As soon as my coffee is ready, I walked to the sofa and sat while carefully sipping my steaming coffee.

I turned the TV on.

As I sipped on my coffee, our conversation and Alex las night flashed through my head.

Apparently, Claire prohibited Alex from dating me, but he can date anyone. What's up with her?

Those words hit me hard. She's definitely wasn't true to me. I don't know what she's up to, and I had to find out.

I wouldn't mind if she had prohibited all her friends from dating Alex, not just me. But she had singled out me. And that's pissed me off.

I took one of the wooden coasters and placed my hot coffee mug on it. I headed to my room for my phone. I need to call dad and ask for his help.

I'll find out what she's hiding from me.

I came back to the sofa after a while looking for my purse. I dialed dad's number.

I saw the time. It was just 6 in the morning. New York is three hours ahead of time. His phone had ringed multiple times before I heard mom's voice.

"Hello," her sweet melodious voice I am so familiar with.

"Mom, it's Clara," I begun.

"Oh, honey!" she squealed. "I'm glad you called. Why didn't you call on my phone? Your dad is in the shower," she rattled on.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I meant to call you after dad," I lied. "I just want to know something," said.

"Well, daddy just started showering," she said. "How are you? When are you gonna go home? Your auntie Enna invited us over once you come home. GP and Lucca promised to come over if we come. Your auntie misses you too," mom prattled on, and I just nodded. I know that Auntie Enna was trying to match me with one of her sons, but that's not gonna happen.

I loved Aunt Enna, but not loving her match making antics.

GP and Lucca were just like my brothers. I cringed at the thought of dating one of them. GP and Lucca were very charming in their own way, too handsome might I add, and too dangerous to every woman's heart, but none of them made my skin tingles with just one stare.

"After the launching party, Mom," I replied after a short pause.

"That's tomorrow night, is it?" she asked.

"Yes," I answered briefly and took another sip of my coffee.

"Are you alright? You sound sick," Mom asked after. Her voice rises a little bit. I could tell she's getting worried.

I had cleared my throat before I spoke. "Mom, I'm fine. I just woke up half hour ago," I explained.

"Oh, okay," she sounded convinced. "Oh, here's your dad," she said.

"Love you, Mom," I said, but I only hear them in the background.

"Who?" I heard dad asked. And then mom giggled. My eyes instantly rolled heavenward.

I could only imagine what's the two doing.

"DAD!" I called out exasperatedly.

I only hear mom's muffled voice, and then her giggles.

I took another sipped of my coffee as I waited until the two will remember me.

Finally, dad answered the phone.

"Hello, Mi princesita," dad was panting.

"Seriously, Dad?" I hissed, and he just let out a vigorous chuckle. His rich, deep voice reminded me of Raffy and Nikolai.

"I'm sorry, Mi princesita. I didn't see your mom yesterday," dad explained, and my eyes rolled again.

"Jeez dad, it's just a day," I complained.

"Is there any problem there, Mi Princesita?" he asked, deflecting the topic.

"No. I just need your help," I said as I let out a sigh.

"What is it?" he asked, too eagerly.

"I need your Private Investigator's help. I need to know something," I explained.

"Is it about Alex?" dad asked.

"No!" My teeth clamped in exasperation.

"Well, what should I tell him?" he asked.

I let out another sigh. "I want to know what's Claire's hiding from me," I sighed.

"Alright. You'll have all the details tomorrow," dad said confidently, and I frowned. It looks like dad already knew it.

"Everything, dad!" I gritted out.

"Yes, Mi princesita. Everything," dad repeated clearly.

"Is that all?" he asked.

"Yes, and thank you, Dad."

"Anything for my princess," Dad said all too fondly.

"I love you, Dad."

"Love you very much, Mi princesita."

The call ended, and I stared blankly at the TV screen. My mug is empty, but I was still clutching the handle. I dropped my phone on my side as I leaned my back against the backrest of the couch.

"Good morning," I sat upright with a start when I heard that familiar voice. My heart leaped to my throat and pounded so loudly. 

My head snapped to the direction of the hall, and Alex sauntered across the room, so relaxed in his boxers again and a gray shirt.

I tried to keep my eyes on his upper body, but his broad chest is as tempting as his lower body.

I narrowed my eyes at him, then grabbed my phone, ignoring the loud beating of my heart. "Why are you in your boxers again?" I asked as I got up from my seat.

He frowned when he saw the empty mug in my hand. "Is that all you had this morning?" he asked. I could see the displeasure on his face as it distorted.

I glared at him. He just dodged my question.

"It's all I needed," I hissed.

"That's not healthy. You need more than that. Come to the kitchen with me, I'll make you something," he said as he guided me to my kitchen.

To my own kitchen!

Where did he think he is? He's acting like he owns my damn place.

I was glowering at him, but he seemed to be bothered with my temper. "Sit there and wait for your breakfast, ice princess," he teased as he grabbed the empty mug from my hand, then winked at me.

Hearing that pet name again, it made my blood boil.

I slumped on the chair, my eyes burning holes on his damn sexy back. It felt like I was transported back to the first day I saw him in my kitchen, in the same outfit.

"I don't know why do you like parading your butt. They look so ugly," I lied, and he swirled, then stared at me, amused. It's not what I'm expecting him to feel.

I wanted him to feel ashamed and imagined him scurried off to get change.

I felt my cheeks burned from his stare.

Oh, dammit!

"I never thought you're a good liar, babe," he taunted, causing my whole body to feel hot.

"I am not lying!" I hissed, my hands on the table clenched tightly.

"I feel comfortable with boxers, it made me feel sexy," he grinned before turning on his back and face the stove. He was humming to my annoyance and shaking his hips, causing his legs to flexed and damn, it was the finest view I've ever seen.

I swallowed hard as I tried to fight the urge to stare at his steel buns. I tore my eyes away from him then focus on my phone. Suddenly, my phone rang.

It was Nikolai.

"Hello," I answered.

"Hey, Clara. I forgot your room number. I'm already here on your floor," Nikolai said which caused me to jumped out of my seat. My heart suddenly raced rapidly. 

My eyes snapped to Alex who was staring at me with curiosity.

......

N/A: First and for all, thank you, guys for the patience. I apologize for the long wait. 

As I have said before, I am pregnant. Six weeks along to be exact, and my fist baby. Staying in front of the screen too long doesn't help ease my morning sickness. It's just making me feel nauseous all the time. I hope you understand, but I'll try to write whenever I feel fine. 

Thank you again for all the best wishes! I'm so overwhelmed. 

I love you, guys!