(Derek's P.O.V)

I finally took the last step, caging Kitkat in with my hands on either side of the kitchen counter.

I wanted to press my body to hers and feel her soft curves against mine, to taste those cherry lips and drown in her sweet scent.

But I didn't push my luck and kept a hairsbreadth of a distance between us. 

It reminded me of the time when I'd had her back pressed to my front at the grocery store. Man, I wish I could have her like that again.

Lila's breath hitched and if I wasn't wrong, her facade faltered as she inched back, her back arching over the counter as if to get away from me.

Now, it was either because she was repelled by me or she was affected and didn't want to show it. The former wasn't possible because come on, I was awesome and she wouldn't silently let someone corner her like this otherwise.

Because that was how she was. She'd never back down from a challenge. Impassively, as if my proximity was nothing to her, she spoke. "Don't you think you're a little too close for comfort?"

I shrugged, bending down so we were eye level. "I like it though."

"I don't." Her breezy refusal didn't deter me. 

"I didn't get a proper birthday gift." I remarked, my eyes snaking down to her lips again. The form fitting clothes didn't do much to hide her assets and I was loving it.

"So?" Her hand went to the collar of my shirt casually, arranging it properly and I froze in surprise, my eyes riveted to her face. A face that was giving away nothing.

Kitkat indolently patted my chest and I felt my heart rate kick up, my muscles stiffening, my body burning up. It was surreal that this five foot nine chick had such an effect on me.

I seized my opportunity though, willing my mind to work. "So, I think you could make up for it with a kiss. Limited time offer, Kitkat." I wiggled my brows flirtatiously.

Her hand feel away and a soft chuckle escaped her pretty lips. I leaned closer, craving more, more, more.

And it was then that she raised her head to meet my eyes, bringing our faces impossibly closer.

Yeah, I was done. So done.

I wanted to kiss her as badly as a man in a desert would want water. Like she was oxygen and I needed her soft lips on mine so I could breathe some air into my lungs. 

I tugged on a stray strand of her mahogany hair, soft to the touch and the urge to tangle my hand in her perfectly styled hair, gripping and pulling on it as I kissed her roughly, with no abandon was overwhelming.

I knew our friends were outside and this was probably not the best time for a kiss but I could hope, right? It wasn't everyday that I could be in kissing range with her.

I swallowed thickly as my blood rushed south.

"Would a simple kiss make you happy?" Her breath whispered across my lips and I breathed in her scent deeply, filling my lungs with air and yet feeling breathless.

"Very." I muttered, my eyelids dipping as I got drunk on the atmosphere.

Lila parted her lips and my heart pounded in my chest—

"Too bad I bought you a gift already."

Her warm hand pressed patronizingly against my cheek and I gulped at the contact before her words registered.

"What?" 

I cursed myself internally for blurting out the first word that popped into my head at her revelation probably looking like a fish out of water with my jaw unhinged.

Removing her hand, Kitkat's grey eyes gleaming, she winked at me and jerked her head at something  behind me.

"There it is."

I glanced in the direction she pointed, wondering if it was just a mean joke she was playing on me but turned out she was serious.

A blue gift-wrapped box with a black slip on it sat atop the central kitchen island.

I never imagined I'd be disappointed that Kitkat bought me a gift but considering that I almost had a kiss from her, I think I really did hate it.

Did she suddenly start to care about me? Because to be honest, I was sure she was done with the formalities and that there wasn't anymore gift-giving left on her part.

I was wrong, apparently.

"You actually bought me a gift." The bafflement and surprise in my tone couldn't be hidden as I turned back to look at Kitkat.

She rolled her eyes, pushing at my chest and I gave way, letting her walk to the gift as I simply stared, still a little in shock. I don't know how she recovered so fast but for me those ten seconds of having her almost in my grasp were the most tense of my life. 

I felt like I was about to have a heart failure, goddamnit.

Kitkat grabbed the gift box which was the size of a book. The big Math kind.

You know? The one people in general can use as good weapons?

I'm sorry for making such a bad comparison but you gotta give me some leeway.

"Here." Lila licked her lips, a tad bit nervously and then locked her eyes with mine, staring from under her long black lashes. Her open hair framed her features beautifully and her gestures almost made her seem shy. "I didn't bring something special but yeah."

She swallowed thickly and averted her eyes as she held out the gift for me to take.

I think my eyebrows reached my hairline because I think my Kitkat was blushing.

I lowered my head to get a better look at her and...yeah. Her cheeks were light red and as she caught me staring, she cleared her throat, pushing the gift into my chest. "Take it, will you."

A surprised laugh burst out of me as I grabbed the gift that was digging into my six-pack.

I'd wanted to make her blush for so long, tried so many ways and yet the thing that made me see that pretty red on her pretty features was giving me a gift she probably handpicked herself?

"You look adorable."

The words came out unfiltered and my grin wouldn't go away as I saw more color rush up her neck and heat her cheeks.

Lila's eyes collided with mine and they were....wide, surprised and something I couldn't pinpoint. A storm brewed in them, the metallic grey melting as if a fire of furnace-level intensity had resided there somewhere.

She parted her lips and then closed them multiple times, as if she couldn't find a fitting response.

I've never felt giddy in my life. Happy, excited, joyous, ecstatic. Never giddy.

But I think what I felt in that moment was what people described that feeling as.

Giddy at the fact that I'd managed to leave her speechless and blushing and she wasn't throwing rocks and insults my way. Sure, having me in her personal space and almost being kissed might not have been effective in eliciting a worthy response out of the mysterious mahogany haired girl–although it was a foolproof plan in my opinion–something as simple as a gift had achieved that for me.

I stepped forth, sliding the gift box back onto the counter and my hands found their way to Lila on their own.

Cupping her soft rosy cheeks, I admired her features with a foolish grin on my face and my stomach feeling like a hive of bees had taken up residence there.

Her skin was soft to the touch and her face fit right into my hands, just as I was sure her body would fit into mine.

"What–"

"You're blushing. And you look fucking adorable. Fucking delectable."

So, see I bid my filter goodbye a few minutes ago and I think it's a fifty-fifty chance that I'll survive today. 

I'm hoping I survive.

Kitkat made a choked-up noise.

And from the deer-in-headlights look that she was sporting at the moment, her body stiff and her eyes widen open and focused on me.....

I think there's a good chance I've made some progress in melting the ice encasing this wonderful girl's heart.

"You..."

With her cheeks burning like a furnace, she smacked away my touch and took a few steps back. She broke eye contact and frowned.

"You have your gift there, I'm leaving now. Bye."

She hurried out of the kitchen like she was being chased by a monster and I laughed heartily even as I heard the door close and open, aware Lila had probably left. Noises from our friends talking filtered in but it didn't call for my immediate attention.

I didn't chase her or stop her. I knew what we'd shared today was enough on its own and she would need some time to process her reactions and ponder over our interaction.

I could give her that time, no worries.

I stared down at my hands, already missing the touches I'd sneaked in. Images of Kitkat's hasty retreat and her adorable blush assaulted me like gunfire. I ran an agitated hand through my hair, messing it up as my cheeks hurt from all the smiling and grinning I'd done.

But I was genuinely happy and although Kitkat may not have realized it, she made my Birthday so much better.

I glanced down at the gift, eager to see what she'd actually given me now that she herself wasn't here anymore to take up my attention. It was the second best thing.

I might not have gotten the kiss I wanted but I did get to see a very, very rare sight that I'd never forget.

God, I was acting like I was smitten. 

I shuddered and then my eyes fell on the gift again.

"Fuck." I closed my eyes, clenching my jaw.

I was too far gone now.

•♤•

I peeked into Kitkat's room but she had the curtains drawn and the lights off so I sighed forlornly and dropped my towel on the back of my swivel chair.

Everyone had left just an hour ago and I'd taken a bath because Warren had chucked half of the cake they'd themselves brought into my face and then it'd escalated into a small-scale food fight.

Michael and Nora had left together first and I'd felt closer to both of them after tonight. Warren and Rebecca had stayed back to clean up with me and I was thankful. With Desiree's aid as well, we managed to clean up just fine before Dad came back.

The last one to leave though, had been Rebecca and she'd kissed me on the cheek when she wished me good night.

I'd pondered over the gesture more than I'd thought I probably would.

Because it wasn't a secret that Rebecca and I had flirted a lot initially but I'd found an unexpected friend in her. Of course there was the matter of the letters but that didn't mean I disliked Rebecca.

Not at all.

But I didn't like like her either.

And the signs showed that she'd maybe, I don't know, kinda fallen for me?

I messed up my wet hair even more and groaned as I flopped down on the bed. "Ugh."

Is this probably how Kitkat felt every time she interacted with Warren? Considering how everyone knew that he'd liked her, I was only curious as to why they never dated.

Before I could chicken out or forget asking about it, I shot off the message about the question to Rebecca, hoping to get a good enough answer.

Once done with that, I turned my full attention towards the gift from Lila.

I slid it closer and licked my lips, suddenly feeling apprehensive. Exhaling, I reminded myself, "I'm Derek Greyson and a gift can't make me lose my senses."

Who was I kidding, I'd already lost my senses because of Kitkat.

I made quick work of opening it and when the gift was finally revealed, I blinked.

Taking out the two MMA fighting gloves, I observed them. Dark blue in color, they were probably made up of leather. The smooth texture and fullness of the gloves, the smell of new leather were all tempting. I glanced again into the box to find copper colored hand wraps as well.

I leaned backwards.

Was the copper because it was the color of my eyes?

I glanced at her window, finding no signs that she was awake.

It was meaningful though. And considering the fact that these were by the brand 'Everlast' and not some second grade objects, I could only imagine how much they would've cost.

Where did she even get that much money?

I turned the gloves in my hand and slipped one if them on. It fit perfectly. I'd been the Wolf for barely two months and she'd given me a gift that actually pleased me quite a lot.

These were also custom made.

How did she even...when did Lila do all this?

Feeling touched and more than a little puzzled, I closed the gift box but right then something caught my eye.

There was a small L.S etched into the underside of the straps of the gloves. I could easily guess it stood for Lila Smith. I went back and brought out the hand wraps, opening them and going through the length of it until I found writing on its very edge.

D.G was stitched into the copper colored hand wraps and a subconscious smile spread over my lips.

This was more than just a gift given on a whim.

Suddenly, I had a thought where I'd show her this gift maybe ten years down the road and we'd both reminisce about this time, these special moments of uncertainty that led to a life where we were together.

I wanted that.

The realization hit me like a thousand bricks.

As if I'd been doused in ice cold water. I froze, closing my eyes as I grit my teeth.

The more I thought about it, the more absurd these imaginative thoughts of the future seemed.

This spelled trouble for me and it spelled attachment issues.

I needed to come clean to myself about my feelings first.

I couldn't accept it.

There's difference in knowing and then accepting and saying it out to yourself that yes, you like this person.

It's hard.

And it's scary.

But I knew it could be just as freeing and exhilarating.

As if my worries would take flight and my heart would shed the extra weight of always staying in a contemplative state. My mind would be clearer and my goals streamlined.

But I wasn't ready for that last nail to the coffin. Not yet.

•♤•

I stared at my phone screen, my stomach turning as I read and re-read the same sentences over and over again.

But nothing changed.

It was Monday morning and the town sure was alive.

Rebecca had replied to my question from last night and there had been no evasiveness that reflected in her clear cut answer.

Maybe she was glad for it. The opportunity to tell me this. The fact that it made me uneasy was a different story I'm sure Rebecca must have known.

Rebecca: Warren liked Lila. Mellisa and Lila were best friends.
Mellisa liked Warren. Lila did too. But not after she realized Mellisa had feelings for Warren. Mel felt guilty, so did Lila and Warren realized the girl's dilemma too. But before any of them could work out their feelings, Mellisa died.
And the guilt that remains with Lila and Warren meant they'd never get together if only to honor their dead friend.
That's it.

Rebecca had used a detached tone to tell this story as if she were a news reporter with no perosnal links to these people but it only seemed deliberate to me.

However, this explained so much.

It was a love triangle with a disastrous ending.

But War never moved on from Lila. He's still not over her, I know that. And Lila can't cut him off. He matters to her but she'll never give him a chance.

It's in neither of their personalities.

The incident though made a connection form between them. A connection that no one else could understand or intrude upon.

And I was envious of that more than I liked to admit. I understood, but that didn't mean I liked it.

I exhaled heavily as I trudged out of my bed and made way to the washroom.

Splashing cold water over my face, I shook myself internally to come back to my senses.

I peeked at Kitkat's room, only to find the window in the same state.

The trees outside were wet with the rain that had poured all night giving way to a clear sky today morning.

I'd heard the dripping and the tinkling sound of rain on various surfaces, finding the smell of wet earth permeating the air and the sky and trees looking more vibrant than ever.

After the heat spell, this rainy night had provided some relief in the temperature and I welcomed it.

When I got back to my bed, I found my phone vibrating with an onslaught of texts. It was practically blowing up with notifications and I rose my brows in surprise.

I wasn't this famous despite my many skills.

A pity, I'm aware.

I grabbed it and entered the password, only to go to the private Ladenhill group account.

The chat was full of information that took me time to sort through but once I read the source of the responses, I found that it was a reaction fully justified.

Veronica's father, The Mayor Welsh had been arrested on multiple charges of corruption by – again– the FBI.

The news was making headlines because this was a blow to the town and the people residing here.

The involvement of the authorities made irrational fear curl in my stomach but I brushed it off.

I was no longer trapped in that web of lies and deceit, I was out. I was leading a different and fresh life.

After Michael's Dad, Mr Serdano had been taken away in cuffs and roused a buzz among the townspeople, re-opening of Mellisa's case was obvious.

There had been constant news of the FBI having taken three constables, a detectove and an inspector into custody last month as well.

This proved that some force was at work. Trying to weed out the dark and corrupted and probably bring the dead girl justice.

My mind flashed to Kitkat but I shook my head.

Nope. Not possible.

Even if there weren't many who would go to such lengths for justice, I somehow couldn't imagine Lila pulling past it.

I thought back on how she'd acted every time Mellisa had been brought up or the day of her death anniversary when she'd broken down in a show of rare raw emotions.

I thought of the mysterious letters from Rebecca to Lila and the twisted, deeply embedded sense of hate Kitkat definitely had for someone like Veronica.

The warning she'd given Veronica, the redhead who never knew when to shut up and stop goading and aggravating the metallic eyed girl.

The suspicious arrival of Diego and the opening of Blue and the masked fighters called the Wildcat and the Leopard.

I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath.

I needed a smoke. It'd been a good while since I last smoked. About two weeks because well, sometimes what Kitkat didn't know wouldn't hurt her.

I slipped out a cigarette from my hidden pack and flicked the lighter on. I watched the flames, fascinated like always and traced my thumb over the beautiful designs on it before taking in the first puff of smoke.

Was there really a connection between all of this or was I just being presumptuous?

Yet a niggling sense of doubt found it's way into my heart, telling me my gut feeling was right.

•♤•

A/N

There was a little romantic scene I think was helpful in adding to the chemistry between our characters. Or so I hope. I'd love to know if Lila and Derek actually do have some chemistry or it's just me lol! What do you think of the light banter and Lila's reaction?

Hehe, I think we all made some progress here.

I had to really brainstorm for the gift idea and I'm not sure it's good enough but well.

What do you think about the arrests and now it being the Mayor and Veronica's Dad? Any ideas what might happen next?

I know it was a long chapter lol like 3.5K words but couldn't cut more. Anyways these are the first drafts so no worries!

Heads up, the next few chapters are gonna be one hell of a ride! We've crossed the halfway point of our book and now its time for things to start being revealed bit by bit!

Hope you enjoyed and keep reading! Don't forget to vote and comment, I always love the support! Thank you!

Till next time then!

~Skyler