A/N: Hi guys! I was motivated to write because of the comments and votes on chapter 17 that's why this chapter is longer than the previous one. Anyway, enjoy reading :)

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MARCO's POV

I sipped on my drink while staring at the view below the Monterial Hotel that we were in. The view was spectacular but my mind was wandering somewhere else.

My grip around the glass that I was holding tightened as I remembered what happened to Maggie this afternoon. Thankfully, I was just nearby so I managed to rescue her on time. I knew that Apollyon would never let her go just like that that's why when Maggie told me that she wanted to talk to him, I already formulated a plan of how to follow her without her knowledge.

"You're silent. Let me guess. Maggie pushed you out of your room that's why you're still here." I almost rolled my eyes when I heard Kyrus' mocking voice. He just came in. We're currently in his penthouse on the top floor of the Monterial Hotel. He went out a while ago because he needed to take care of something at the lobby.

"She's sleeping right now and I don't want to disturb her sleep. She's still troubled of what happened to her." I answered and then chugged down the remaining alcohol in my glass in one gulp and then sat on the couch.

"So, what's your plan now?" Kyrus inquired while pouring a whiskey into his glass.

"I'm going to take her away, out of Apollyon's reach."

Kyrus nodded. "Okay. Good luck then." My eyebrows creased.

"What do you mean good luck?"

He smirked. "Well, you're the one who's by her side right now. Her ex-boyfriend is finally out of your way. I just hope that you will finally get her this time; for yourself, not for the sake of the game."

I glared at him but he just laughed. He even raised his glass as if offering for a toast and then sipped on it while grinning like a fool.

"She was mine from the beginning, Ky. Apollyon just got her because I left her vulnerable of any attacks for one year and a half. Now that she's finally by my side, I will never do the same mistake that I did in the past. I will protect her from anyone who wants to use and harm her." I answered determinedly.

"Don't get me wrong but aren't you swimming on dangerous waters right now? I mean; yes, you love her but what about being honest with her? Aren't you doing the same thing that Apollyon did to her?" My eyes squinted in anger.

"Don't compare me to that b*stard because we're not the same!" I snapped in annoyance. Keith raised his hands as if he was surrendering.

"Hey, don't be too hot headed, bud. I know that you're not like him but what I'm trying to say is; shouldn't you be more honest with Maggie? She's gone through enough already. She doesn't deserve to be treated like some price in a game. She will get hurt again if she discovers about it for sure." I could see the worry in his eyes. Even his face was serious this time.

I heaved a sigh. "You know that I can't tell her everything yet but I'll do everything in my power to spare her from any pain. If hiding the truth from her would spare her from being hurt, then I'll gladly do it. Until I win this game, I don't have a choice but to do just that. I'm here to protect her until the very end."

Kyrus chuckled. "I really can't believe it. Who knew that the only one who could actually turn your heart of stone into a softy would be that girl? I really thought that your feelings for her was nothing but an infatuation back then. To be honest, I really didn't think that you're capable of cherishing someone like this that you're even going to this extent just to protect her." He said bluntly.

"I will do anything for her, Ky." I answered with all honesty. His eyes widened but just for a second. He then raised a little bit.

"Let's drink to that, then." He then drank his drink in one big gulp. I was about to do the same when we heard the door buzzed.

"Who's that?" Kyrus asked in a loud voice.

"It's me." We heard the familiar voice of Falcon.

"Come in." I instructed. Falcon did what he was told and came in quietly.

"Unu—" He was about to talk when he noticed Kyrus standing near the door of the terrace, looking at us.

"It's okay. Ignore him." I said and he nodded his head.

"We already hacked all the CCTV's nearby and deleted all the footages that could potentially help Apollyon into tracking us down. I already assigned some of our men around to keep an eye just in case they see Apollyon and his men lurking around the area."

"Good. Did you already arrange everything for tomorrow?"

"I'm sorry, Unu, but we can't leave tomorrow." My eyebrows creased.

"And why's that?"

"Because it will be too dangerous. Our men spotted Apollyon's minions lurking around the airport. It looks like they're already expecting you to leave the country anytime soon." I gritted my teeth upon hearing what he just said.

"Minchia! Who knew that that b*stard Apollyon has a brain after all?" I released a harsh breath upon saying that in order to calm myself down.

"What about your yacht, Unu? You can use that to escape."

"My yacht is in Australia right now. I didn't think that I would actually need it so I didn't bother bringing it here." I raked my fingers through my hair in frustration. I wanted to kill Apollyon ones and for all to finish all my problems but I couldn't afford to do that just yet. Everything that I have is at stake. Everything. I shouldn't rush and think things carefully...

"What the hell. You're rich but you only have one yacht?" It was Kyrus.

"I only have two. Marcus is using the other one because he doesn't want to buy himself a yacht."

He rolled his eyes. "Why don't you borrow Enrique's yacht then?" He suggested.

"No. Let's not disturb that guy. I heard that he's in Maldives right now, probably with some chick out there. You know him. When he's on vacation, he hates being disturb to." I answered and then sighed.

Kyrus laughed. "Some chick? I don't think so. You know how that guy is head over heels in love with his ex. It's impossible that he would take some other chicks out there to his island because he bought that island for his girl. If he's with a girl right now, then he probably found his ex again. He once mentioned before that he would only take one girl there and I assumed that he was referring to his ex."

"That guy. He's so obsessed with his ex. He couldn't even look at other girls out there because he's still so in love with his ex." I said while shaking my head.

"Look who's talking. You two are the same. both so obsessive and possessive." Kyrus mumbled but I still heard it.

"Fùck off! You're just saying that because you haven't found the right girl for you yet. Let's see how you behave around her once you finally found her." I taunted but he burst into a fit of laughter.

"I don't think I will be like the two of you when it comes to women. There's a lot of women out there and I will never allow myself to stoop that low. I'm enjoying being chased by girls so why would I stick to only one? That will be a suicide for me. I hate being controlled by women and you know that." I rolled my eyes after hearing his answer. Now, his true nature was surfacing.

Zandro and this guy are the same. Both gluttonous when it comes to women. I mentally shook my head. I was about to say something when Falcon spoke.

"Pardon, Unu, but what is our next move now?" He questioned with furrowed eyebrows while furtively glancing at Kyrus. I could tell that he was irritated at Kyrus for some reason. I released a breath before answering.

"I have an idea." I said and then took my phone from the top of the coffee table. I dialed a certain number. I didn't want to ask for his help but I didn't have a choice. It took three rings before he picked up the phone.

"To whom do I owe this phone call, Alessi?" The irritating voice of the man on the other line.

"I need a favor." I almost couldn't utter the words.

"Whoah! The great Marco Pearce Alessi is actually asking me a favor? I think the world is about to come to an end." He uttered with an exaggerated tone and I wanted nothing but to smack him at that moment.

"Fùck you! Forget it!" I hissed and was about to press the end call button when he spoke.

"Wait! Don't be too hot-headed. I was just kidding. Anyway, joking aside. What happened? What favor do you want to ask from me?" His voice finally became serous. I cleared my throat.

"I need you and your plane three days from now."

"What do you mean?"

"We're going to Australia and we need someone to take us there. You're the only one left that I could think that could do it."

"What about your plane?" He asked confusedly.

"My plane will fly on the same day to France so that I could outwit my enemies."

"Oh, now I understand what you're trying to say. Well, I can help you with that but what do I get in return after that?" I groaned inwardly. I really didn't want to approach this guy because I knew he would charge me in return for his so called 'help'.

"Name your price." I answered quietly.

He chuckled. "Hmm...I can't think of anything yet. Maybe I'll charge you in the future if need something."

"Okay. Listen to me. This is the plan." I began and then proceeded on telling him my plan. After about five more minutes of discussing about it, I ended the call.

"You're really good when it comes to these things. Since I'm here, I'll help you too. I'll drive you guys to Philadelphia using my 'baby' so that no one would detect your plan." Kyrus suggested. He heard about my escape plan.

"Okay. I think that's a better idea. Thanks, bud."

He smiled. "Anytime." I gave further instruction to Falcon before he left. Kyrus and I were talking about random things when I remembered something.

"Can I use your kitchen?" I asked him out of the blue. Kyrus' eyebrows furrowed as he looked at me in wonder.

"Sure. Why?" He looked stupefied as if he wasn't sure if he heard it right. I shook my head.

"I'll just cook something for dinner." I answered casually. His eyes went wide.

"What?! Since when did you learn how to cook? If you're Marcus then I would believe that you could cook, but no. You're his twin." He said while laughing. I gave him a sharp stare but he just smirked at me.

"I know how to cook."

"Since when?" He asked with cocked up eyebrow.

"Since a while ago." I answered confidently and the jerk burst out laughing.

"Let me guess; you actually went internet surfing?"

"So, what? Everyone does it nowadays. It looks easy and I'm pretty sure that I can do it if I try." I answered full of confidence.

"Okay, then. Let's see about that. The kitchen is all yours but in one condition. Let me have a bite after." He answered.

I raised my eyebrows. "You just finished laughing at me but now you want to have a taste?" He shrugged his shoulders.

"Well, I'm already hungry. Anything will do for now. Although, I'm currently worried if you could actually make an edible meal." He answered while laughing. I shook my head and decided to just ignore his remarks. I went to the kitchen. I already asked one of my men to buy the ingredients for me beforehand so everything was already ready.

I wanted to cook in our suite but I didn't want her to see me struggling while cooking. I was about to start when I felt Kyrus' presence behind me.

"Leave me alone. I don't want an audience." I snapped at him but he just laughed.

While I was on it, Kyrus went out but I didn't bother asking him where he was going to.

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MAGGIE's POV

I stretched my arms above my head and purred like a kitten. I just woke up. I looked at the time and saw that it was already almost 7 pm. I got up and looked around. It was so quiet.

"Marco?" I called for him but no one answered. My eyebrows knitted together and got out of bed. I looked for him around but he was nowhere to be found.

Maybe he just went out, I told myself. I decided to take a bath while waiting for him but after showering and getting dressed, Marco haven't returned yet.

I was already feeling hungry. I was about to dial on the telephone to order food when I heard a knock on the door. My feet automatically stepped towards the door. For some reason, I felt excited, thinking that it was Marco. I quickly opened the door.

"Where have—Kyrus?" Whatever I wanted to say was cut short when I saw Kyrus at the door. I suddenly felt disappointed.

"Yes, it's me. You're obviously disappointed. You thought that it was Marco, am I right?" He teased and I felt my cheeks redden.

"No." I denied and that made him laugh.

"You don't have to be shy. Anyway, Marco needs you right now." Worry instantly crept within me.

"What happened? Where is he anyway?"

"Come with me. He's in my suite." He answered seriously. His face looked worried. My heart began beating rapidly in worry. I gingerly closed the door. "C'mon, before my kitchen explodes." He added.

My steps came to a halt. "Your kitchen? What do you mean?" I asked. His eyes were gleaming amusedly.

"You'll see. Let's go?" We then walked towards the elevator. Upon entering inside, he pressed the penthouse button. When we arrived there, I rapidly walked towards the door and opened it without waiting for Kyrus.

I didn't know why but I wanted to see him right away to make sure that he's fine.

"Where is he?" I asked while looking around his suite. I couldn't deny that I was so worried.

"He's in the kitchen. That way." Kyrus pointed the direction and I went ahead of him. I walked briskly in worry but when I reached the kitchen, my jaw dropped when I saw Marco. He was busy slicing vegetables while kept on gazing on the video that was playing on his phone.

I wanted to laugh because everything was so messy and he looked like he was having a hard time.

"He told me that he's going to cook something for you but I'm worried. That guy doesn't even know how to cook. Why don't you go and help him? I have a dinner date so 'I'll leave you two here." Kyrus whispered to me playfully. I looked at him quizzically but he just winked at me and then left.

I looked back at Marco when I heard him grunt.

"Damn it!" He hissed while looking at his finger. It looked like he cut his finger. I rolled my eyes and strode my way towards him.

"Come here." I said and pulled him by the hand towards the sink. I opened the faucet and helped him clean his wound with the water and soap." It was just a small cut.

"You're here." He said while looking at me like he couldn't believe that I was there.

"Do you know if Kyrus has a medicine kit here?" I asked but he didn't answer. He was just staring at me in awe.

"Hey! Answer me." I even waved my hand before his face. He blinked innumerably.

"Y-Yes. It's in the hanging cabinet in the bathroom." He answered. I left him there and went to the bathroom. I found the medicine cabinet right away and took what I needed to clean his wound. I went back after that.

"Give me your hand. I'll clean your wound." I said and he did as I was told quietly. While I was cleaning it, his amber eyes were fixed on me.

"Stop staring at me. If I was an ice, I already have melted by now." He laughed heartily. After cleaning his wound, I wrapped a band-aid around it.

"Done." I said and was about to get away from him when he suddenly pulled me by waist until our bodies pressed together.

"Thank you." His voice turned husky while staring into my eyes lovingly. I swallowed hard. My heart was thumping like crazy again.

"D-Don't mention it." I answered with a small voice. "What were you doing anyway? Kyrus told me that you wanted to—" Before I could finished my sentence, he already claimed my lips with a passionate kiss. I couldn't hold back the moan that escaped from my lips.

There was something in the way he was kissing me this time. Every move of his lips and tongue was making me feel like he was owning me wholly, declaring his territory.

My lips automatically moved on their own and returned his delicious and addicting kiss with equal fervor. That seemed to please him and deepened the kiss even more. I closed my eyes and reciprocated his kiss the way he wanted it to be.

I couldn't explain why but everything felt so new, wilder and better. Maybe because this was the first kiss that we shared without anything holding me back. Our tongues dueled hotly as our hands began exploring each other's body.

I moaned in delight when he cupped my supple breast with his naughty hand through my shirt.

"Damn. I want you so much, my queen. You're making me crazy." He breathed the moment our lips parted. We were both breathing hard while staring into each other's eyes.

I wetted my lips with the tip of my tongue. His eyes zeroed on my lips, intense desire was evident in them.

"We're here in Kyrus' suite, Marco. He might come back." I answered with my cheeks blushing.

"I don't care. Forget about him." He cupped my face and was about to kiss me again when my stomach suddenly growled in hunger. I bit my lower lip in embarrassment. To my surprise, he suddenly burst out laughing.

I sneered at him to hide the embarrassment that I was feeling. "You're so cute, my queen." He planted a soft kiss on my lips. I couldn't hold back the smile that broke across my face.

"I know you're hungry so just wait here and let me cook for you." He said and was about to continue what he was doing when I spoke.

"Kyrus told me that you don't know how to cook." I said nonchalantly.

"I know how to cook." He insisted but his tone was reluctant. I mentally shook my head.

"Ah, that's why you're watching a cooking tutorial." I teased him. I couldn't help but to laugh when his face turned red. I approached him.

"I'll help you instead. It will be a disaster if this place explodes because of you." I volunteered while chuckling and tied my hair into a bun. He was looking at me the whole time as if I was the most beautiful woman in the world. My heart swelled.

I didn't know what happened but I felt so at eased now. Before, I was always afraid to be near him because of the fear that I might cheat on Keith again. But now, everything was different, in a good way.

"But I want to cook something for you."

I tsked. "Do that when you learn how to cook, okay? For now, I'll teach you the basics."

He sighed in defeat. "Fine." I beamed and began preparing the ingredients. I wasn't that good of a cook but at least, I wasn't terrible either.

"What do you think you're doing? I said, slice the onions." I rebuked. I was slicing the vegetables when he suddenly hugged me from behind.

"Later." He then rested his chin on my shoulder. His arms were snaked around my waist in a possessive manner. "I like hugging you like this, my queen. It makes me feel like you really belong to me." He confessed.

Just like always, the beating of my heart became erratic again. I felt the same way too. I love it when I'm in his arms. I bit my lower lip. My feelings for him was all over the place and I knew that I couldn't contain it inside me anymore. Just a few more push and he would get what he'd been wanting for so long.

"I thought I already was?" His body went stiff.

"W-What did you say?" I craned my head to look at him.

"Well, you already declared me as yours from the beginning." I answered and then bit my lower lip. Suddenly, a smile appeared on his face.

"Because you are, my queen. You're mine and now that you finally broke up with your ex, I will never let you go again. You belong to me and no one else could take you away from me again. I promise you that."

"I know." He looked taken a back for a moment before he smiled. We sealed that for a sweet kiss before we finally continued cooking. There were smiles on our faces while at it and the happiness inside of me was overwhelming.

There wasn't any clarification yet but the two of us knew what's next for the both of us.

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Sweet moments ahead so stay tuned! LOL

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