Hello my readers of TFB. This is the another dosage of unedited chapter for you all. Enjoy and do let me know, what you think about it. Waiting for your tremendous love ;) 

*******

For where Love reigns, disturbing Jealousy 

Doth call himself Affection's sentinel; 

Gives false alarms, suggesteth mutiny. 

-William Shakespeare

Rex's POV 

I moved through the dark trees of Verboten forest. As name suggested, this forest was the one not spoken about. This was because of the dark creatures that ruled it. No human ever returned alive from this forest, no one.  

No human dared to enter in this forest, but we had these young blooded humans who thought they could deceive anyone. Just for the sake of challenge, they ignored the urban legends and entered this forest. As long as these fools came here, we the dark creatures enjoyed the feast. These young, fresh and hot human bloods gave us a power and satisfaction that no other blood could give us. 

But tonight I wasn't here for blood. I was in a fury, rage to kill that bastard. How dare he go against my order? That pathetic, coward was here in this forest. I could sense the power he was emanating, causing a fear in his prey. I could hear the racing heart beats of that human he was holding prey. I could smell the blood of human. It was coming from the west. Without any delay, I ran into the woods in that direction. 

Within a second, I was behind the bushes where Jeff was playing with his prey. His prey was a human girl. She was all scared. It was clear that her companions were already dead. Now it was her turn. 

Jeff was completely enjoying her fear, her pain, and her misery. All the dark creatures got their strength from the fear and pain of humans. Jeff's eyes were dark with hunger and desire. He had the full power on her. He had compelled her to stay rooted to the ground, not that it mattered as he could catch her within a blink of eye. Compelling human and running at the speed of light was the power we dark creatures enjoyed.  

Jeff was all set to attack her and savor the taste of her warm blood. She smelled delicious, but before he could attack her, I moved in between them, stopping him. 

"Get away from my way, Rex. She is mine," he threatened me. Another fact about us, we never tolerated obstacles between us and our prey. 

"Is it?" I smirked. Seeing prey in pain gave us strength, but seeing the betrayer in vulnerable state gave us pleasure. I was not going to allow him have his hand on her. "Try it," I challenged him. 

He dived to attack her, but with a swift motion, I carried her ten meters away from him. 

"What happened, Jeff? What are you waiting for? Come on. Don't you want her? She is all yours. Just, you need to take her away from me. Come on now," I mocked. 

He jumped to grab her, but failed again. One more time he tried to take her from my grip, but failed. 

"Is that all you could do pathetic, coward Jeff?" I spat. 

Jeff balled his fist in anger. I smirked knowing that now it was going to be something interesting. He created a ball of fire and directed towards me. Holding the girl close, I dodged it easily. He threw the second fire ball which I dodged too. He directed the third one directly towards my face. I had no time to dodge it, so using my power of wind I forced the fireball in opposite direction which set the trees to fire where it hit. The pattern carried on until we were surrounded by the blazing trees. I turned the last fireball he directed towards me into a fist of ash. 

"Don't try to use your power of fire on me, Jeff. You know I can put it off in a blink using my power of wind. I was just playing with you and see the result. You are trapped in your own web." I laughed hard. 

Jeff was totally baffled. The heat of the blazing fire was burning our cold, dead skin. 

"You know what your problem is?" I said, "You don't use your brain. I can easily make a way out for me through this fire, but you will be left behind to burn." I left the hold of the human and advanced towards him. Revolving around him, I continued, "Oh! How must be that feeling of surging burning pain in your body? Your every part will start burning even before the fire touches you. I would love to see you go through it, Jeff," I finished and came back to my food. I had wasted lots of my energy. I needed to refill it. 

I stood behind her trembling body. Her pulsating veins were visible, giving a spark to my hunger. I placed my hands on her shoulder and licked a small area at the crook of her neck with my awaiting tongue.  

"He who betrays the Lord must be punished," I said before plunging my fangs into her neck, piercing her skin.  

Her scream echoed in the abandoned forest as the intense pain shot through the area I bit. She started writhing under my grip. She was struggling to free herself, but it lasted only for few seconds as the desire took over the pain. This was another power we had to control our prey. Her breathing became shallow as I sucked her blood. She was burning with a desire. She was craving for my touch all over her body, but she had no idea what she was playing with. 

Her blood filled my mouth and body. I continued sucking her blood. Her breath started cracking. Her heart was taking its last beat. Her full body turned white as I drained out her blood. Within no time, her body fell numb in my arms. 

I wiped my lips with the back of my palm and tossed her body in the fire. 

"But this death will be so much easy for you seeing that you wish to have a merciless death," I spat. With a wave of my hand, I put off the fire around us. 

"What are you talking about?" 

"You very well know what I am talking about." Using my speed, I advanced on him and caught his neck, lifting him two feet above the ground. "Why did you hurt her? Why did you burn her car?" I hissed, anger seeping through every inch of my body. 

I held him around his neck for few more seconds and then released. 

He steadied himself and said, "Then what should I have done? I am fed up of all this. Why don't you just kill her and get over with this shit? She is just a freaking, weak human." 

"A weak human, whom you couldn't bite? Taste her alluring blood? Try to deny the fact that you felt the urge to drink her blood, and you couldn't drink it." 

He flinched at my statement. He stared at me with wide eyes. 

"Don't be so shocked, Jeff. Trusting someone is not in my record. I don't trust anyone. I had an eye on your every move. Just being away from the city gave you the chance to lay your hands on her. How can you be so reckless?" 

"Reckless?" he scoffed. "I had her, Rex, I had her. I could crush her between my fingers like an insect." 

"But you couldn't. The best thing you could do was knock her out. Can't you see that? What do you think why you were not able to harm her unconscious body?" I asked him. He kept silent. 

"She is being protected by many unknown forces," I continued. "That spell bond is concealing her identity as well as protecting her from the dark powers. And-" 

"You said it is weakening," he cut me off of mid sentence, "Why don't we kill her immediately after the spell bond breaks?" 

"Do you think it is that easy? And if I could kill her, I wouldn't have been here discussing it with you. Lord wants her alive. He wants to kill her by himself. We are been ordered to take her alive to the lord and we are meant to follow that order." 

"I don't understand it. This is a suicide. Why to give a space for them to plot a conspiracy against the Lord. When we know she is a threat, why are we giving her time to activate by not killing her?" 

"She is unaware of her identity. In fact, very few of us know the truth. If the rumors are true, then she will be the most powerful creature on earth. By the time she knows about the prophecy, we will be able to find a way to take her to the lord and kill her," I explained. The image was already forming in my eyes of feeling that power. 

"How her powers will get activated?" he questioned. 

"Time will tell you. How was her blood?" Instead of answering his question directly, I asked him another question. 

"What?" he puzzled. 

"You heard me, Jeff. How was her blood?" 

"I... I didn't drink it as you already know it, but when I had smelt her blood I was unable to control myself. It smelt different. It smelt nothing like humans' or witches'. It was alluring. It was..." he trailed off. His eyes had become dark with hunger. 

"She is the only one of her kind. We need to know her powers and also we need to test her blood. That is why I had been making plans till now. You just follow what I say and don't try to do any mistakes that will ruin my plan." I turned to leave the forest, but stopped in my track. "You didn't answer me. Why did you burn her car?" 

He remained silent and dropped his head. I smirked and raced out of the forest. 

********* 

Ashline's POV : 

I glanced at the round wall clock. It was 8.00pm already and I had just taken a shower. 

Ron will be here at any moment, I thought as I hurried to the wardrobe. 

While scanning the wardrobe for a dress, the only thought that crossed my mind was about Steven. I didn't know why, but suddenly I started getting anxious. I was always confident in what I chose to wear, but this time I was not sure of what to wear. With each dress in my mind I pictured Steven's reaction. What would he think about the dress? Will he admire me?  

Why was I even getting these thoughts? This boy was certainly playing with my sanity. 

After a huge internal conflict, I settled on a short, black sleeveless scoop dress. I had bought this dress last summer, but never found any occasion to wear it. This was the time I take it out. It was a simple yet elegant dress decorated by flabella at shoulder, creating a sweet feeling. The light-weighted fabric draped smoothly around my body. Mini hem design gave a cool and dynamic feeling. The dress looked perfect with the black, elegant bow-tie stiletto high heel boot I chose to wear. I wore a small, delicate bracelet that suited perfectly with the dress. 

I let my hair fall loosely on my shoulder, forming tiny curls at the end. I applied some light makeup.  

"Love, Ron is here. He is waiting for you. Come down, quick." I heard my gran say from the other side of my locked room door. 

"Yup, Gran. I am coming," I replied, giving a last look at my reflection in the mirror. Satisfied, I came down where I spot my gran sitting on a couch reading some book. 

"Where is Ron?" I asked her after glancing around. 

"He is waiting for you in his car." She stood up, placing the book on a nearby table.  

"You look beautiful, sweetheart," Gran said, cupping my cheeks. Her face creased briefly in a smile. 

"Thank you, Granny. I love you." I hugged her and planted a kiss on her cheek. "Okay, Gran, bye. You take your dinner and medicines without missing," I ordered her. 

"Okay, but you don't make it too late and no dirty business." She said. Her lips twitched as she fought back a smile. 

I raised my eyebrow at her. She tried to fake a stern look but failed miserably. 

"Gran!" I exclaimed, shaking my head sideways. 

I descended the steps and went near the Ron's car. He came out of the car seeing me approaching. He grinned boyishly at me while I took my time to admire him. Ron looked handsome in his button up brown shirt and denim jeans. His blond hair was messy as usual giving him a playboy look. No doubt Ron's looks were to die on.  

"What was the joke?" he asked me, while opening the passenger side door for me. 

"Thank you for the compliment, Ron," I said giving him a sickly sweet smile. 

"Oh! You look beautiful," he said, smiling widely. 

"That's it?" I asked him, surprised. I had expected him to use some nice praising words for me, but what he said was just one simple word. I huffed a little and then let it go out of my mind. He always tried to seek a moment like this to annoy me. 

He chuckled and turned the key into the ignition to start the car. 

The ride was silent. Through corner of my eyes, I saw Ron glancing at me after every two minutes. Though I didn't see him, I was sure he had his face all coated with amusement. 

***** 

We reached at the party house. Ron parked the car in the parking area. 

I unbuckled my seatbelt and without a word grasped the door handle to open the car door, but Ron held my hand. 

"Ash," he called my name softly. "Do you always need words to know how beautiful you are for me?" he said looking at me intently. "In my eyes you will always remain beautiful, no matter what," he finished with a smile and tucked strands of hair from my face behind my ear. 

I didn't know how to react. I was used to Ron's mischief, pranks, jokes and care too, but this side of his was something new for me. I blushed and smiled back heartily. Ron very well knew how to bring a smile on my face. 

We got out of the car and headed to Sandra's house. As we neared the house, my heart started pounding very hard. I don't know whether it was because of the blasting music or excitement of seeing Steven. My pulses started fluttering like a blind bewildered moth. I pressed my fingers at throat in an attempt to swallow an amount of saliva to comfort my dry throat. 

"Are you feeling alright?" Ron's concerned voice called me out of my wretched state. 

"Yeah," I replied uneasily. 

"We can head back to home, if you are not feeling well." 

"I am alright, Ron. Let's not miss the fun." I entwined my arms into his and managed a weary smile. 

Sandra's house was full of many familiar and unfamiliar faces. The room lighted with the disco lights. Disco ball was hanging on top of the floor they had made as dancing platform. Music was blasting the room. A metal keg was placed on the dining table. Party attendees were filling their cups with beer. Some were even pulling out some stunts, trying to stand upside down on the keg with their hands on the rim and their friends were helping lift their feet over the head in order to drink the beer directly. Many were passing with the beer cups in their hand. Most of the boys and girls were already wasted. Some drunken girls were crazily dancing on the dance floor accompanied by opportunity seeker boys. Not to miss, that every dark corner was occupied by the couples, making out. 

I just hoped that I wouldn't find Steven in any corner. 

We made our way through the pool of beer to a little less crowdie place. 

"Stay here. I'll bring drink for both of us," Ron said. 

I nodded as Ron turned, disappearing into the crowd. I really needed to put down some drink down my throat to comfort it. I glanced around and saw Eloise who was fully drunk. He was doing some weird pole dance steps. I shook my head, laughing. 

I wondered where the others were. Just then Sandra came jumping towards me. 

"Hey nice party," I complemented. 

"Thanks and one more thanks for inviting him for me," she chirped. 

"Him? Steven is here?" 

"Yup. He excused me to get a drink. Then I saw you, so I came to thank you." 

"Oh..." I trailed off and glanced around to see him. 

"Hey, I need to catch up with other guys. Please enjoy the party," she said and sprinted off before I could even open my mouth to reply. 

I was so immersed in my thoughts, that I didn't notice someone's presence behind me. 

"Hi," he said. 

I turned abruptly and my heart almost skipped a beat. Steven was standing in front of me in a black shirt with top one button unmade and a black jean. His manly cologne filled my breath awakening the dosing bats in my stomach. If looks could kill someone, Steven would have been declared as terrorist. He smiled warmly at me while I gawked at his beauty. 

"Hey, gorgeous!" Owen cackled, giving me one arm hug. I didn't see it coming. In fact I had not noticed him standing behind Steven until he showed up hugging me. It startled me, though. He had been quite yesterday when I had met him in the school, but now... 

I was brought back to the grounds with the sound of snapping fingers in front of my eyes. 

"Where did you get lost?" Owen asked me, playing innocent. 

"Erm... Nothing. Umm... I had not- I mean I thought you would not come-" 

"You had promised to be with me, so how could I not come?" Steven's soft velvety voice ringed in my ear. "And you look gorgeous," he continued. 

I blushed and diverted my face to hide my cheeks which I was sure had become rosy. I turned back to him when I thought I could face him again. He was making me dizzy. No boy had ever succeeded to bring this effect on me as Steven could. I swore my heart wanted to rip my chest and come out. 

Owen cleared his throat dramatically. I raised my eyebrow at him. 

"Sorry Bro for interrupting some pretty, cutie moment of yours. I just want to dare to ask her for dance," Owen said, smirking. I saw Steven roll his eyes and smile. 

"So my pretty lady, can I ask you to dance with me?" Owen said, bowing his head and offered his hand. He winked at me which made me laugh loudly. 

"What does that mean? Is it 'Yes' or is it 'No'?" Owen asked me referring to my laughter. 

I cocked my eyebrow and crossed my hands across my chest. I gave the most mischievous smile I could form. 

"It means 'better luck next time'," Steven said, grinning from ear to ear. I could see the glory of satisfaction on his face. 

"Hmm... I guess," Owen resumed his standing-straight position. "I promise you the day when you will not say 'no' to my dance offer," he said and again winked at Steven. 

What was wrong with those winks? 

"Where is Megan? Didn't she come?" I asked turning the page, because I knew that the more I listen to Owen's talk the more I'd get insane. 

"No, we didn't bring her to this party," Steven spoke bluntly. 

"Why?" I asked quickly. 

"We don't allow her to attend such parties," Owen replied. 

"That is not fair. If you guys are here enjoying this party, then why can't she?" I protested. 

"Look. It is not like we are keeping her in a cage. She attends social parties with us, but not these parties." 

"But why can't she attend these parties where she can make friends, know her friends in a better way. This is the time to have a good taste of life. Like other teenagers, she also must have that hidden wish to enjoy such moments. You are depriving her of these by imposing your rude decisions on her. You are being rude." I threw my hands in air. I couldn't believe that Steven was so narrowed minded. I knew he loved his sister and this must been his way to keep her safe, but in their own insecurity they were doing injustice to her. I was pretty much ready to battle with him. I even forgot we were surrounded by a huge number of teenagers-well drunk teenagers. 

"Ash, you don't know her. She is our sister and we care for her. I know we are crushing her wishes by doing this, but we don't know any other way to keep her safe," said Steven. 

"I know you care for her. You can stay by her side to protect her." 

"It is not possible every time. She is our younger sister, the most loved and wanted child." 

"Possessive much?" 

"If you think I am being possessive or rude, then I am. I can't help it." Steven shrugged. 

"Yeah, but still you can't ground everyone you love to simply protect them," I was not at all on the verge of giving up. 

"True." Steven's flashing eyes settled on me with an intensity that scared me for a second. "True, I can't ground everyone I love to simply protect them." Steven stared intently at me for few seconds and then wheeled away. I sensed he was angry. But I couldn't understand why. What did I say? Was he angry, because I protested his act? Or was he angry, because I was invading into his personal space? Why did he left ending the conversation just like that? 

These questions started eating me from inside. Whenever I thought I understood him, he created more rigid mysterious wall around himself. I wanted to be part of his life, but his attitude wasn't allowing me to step further. I looked helplessly at Owen. 

He shrugged his shoulders and said, "Don't worry. Some wires in his brain are short, that is why he gets angry easily." He tried to make me laugh using his bit of humor.  

I wanted to believe on his comforting words, but it didn't help me a bit to erase the questions that clouded my mind. 

"What did I say?" I asked him almost inaudibly. I wasn't even sure if he had heard it, but his reply confirmed me that he did. 

"You didn't say anything wrong. You are right at your place and he believed it too. I am sure he will think over it. He has been following his mind till now and thought it as beneficial in respect of Megan. It is just... Just give him some time. He will come back. In the coming days, you will start knowing him better too." He gave me assuring smile. 

This time his words relaxed me to some extent. His words soothed my heart like the way lullaby does. Though I had known him for just few minutes, it looked like we had known each other from years, like we had some special link that was unknown till now. 

"Stop staring at me like that or else you might fall in love with me," he stated, smirking. 

I didn't realize I was staring at him for a moment longer than normal. 

"Sure, Brother," I replied, giving him a mischievous grin. 

"Aww... That isn't fair," he faked wailing. 

"There is a great saying, 'everything is fair in love and war'." 

"Okay, if it is so, then let me try again. Now at least will I get yes from you for the dance with me?' he asked me curtseying again. 

I laughed. "Will you be serious ever?" 

"You would not love that Owen like you love this one." He winked at me while I shook my head. "Please?" he continued and extended his right hand towards me. 

"Okay, Mr. Desperate." I smiled as I realized I had already given him a nick name. 

I extended my right hand and was about to place it in his open palms, but suddenly I was pulled back by someone. 

I turned around and saw furious Ron glaring at Owen. 

Why was he so furious? 

"She would not dance with you, freak," Ron spat in anger. 

"Ron!" I tugged at Ron's arm. 

"Oh! So you are the infamous Ron," Owen cooed. 

"Ronald Dobbs. My name is Ronald Dobbs. And you..." he pointed his index finger at Owen, "just stay away from her." 

"Chill dude. I was just asking her for a dance, not a date." 

"Never ever think about it," Ron menaced. His pulsating veins were bulging out of his tensed muscles and forehead. 

I was miserably failing in separating these two. I flailed my hands in front of them helplessly. Combination of Ron's anger which was a lot familiar for me and Owen's carefree attitude was an open invitation for an epic war. I surely didn't need this right now. Where was Steven when I needed him? Hell was about break loose. 

"Are you challenging me? And let me remind you that she is not your property." 

"Please stop it both of you," I screamed, but didn't get any response. 

"She is not my property, but she is my responsibility. I would not allow anyone to harm her. I know you have no good intensions about her," Ron accused him directly. 

"I can say the same thing about you. She is better safe with us rather than with you," Owen spat. 

"Don't try to provoke my bad side." 

"It will be fun to see that, but believe me I can show you the better worst side of mine." 

"Stop it. Just stop it," I yelled finally succeeding in separating them. "What are you both fighting for? I didn't complain about anything; why are you both behaving like this? And Ron, I know you care for me. You are my best friend and it is natural for you to be protective, but you are simply getting stressed up. They are my friends too, Ron. It is just the feeling of insecurity that is resisting you to trust them. Just try to see through my view, please. For my sake, Ron, please." 

"You are being-" Ron's words were killed by the cheering noise. 

"What's happening?" I wondered aloud and made my way purposely through the cheering crowd towards the source of their excitement. I sensed Ron and Owen followed me. I was finally relived that the battle was over... for a time being I guessed. 

"Hey, Vanissa. What's going on here?" I asked Vanissa, one of our school mates. 

"Ash!" she squealed excitedly. "I didn't see you around. Where were you?" She spoke loudly as it was difficult to hear anything with the blasting sound of music and the cheering noise. 

"Yeah I was just wandering around..." I trailed off when I saw what was happening. One boy was trying to pull the same stunt I had seen someone do when I had entered the house. He was standing upside down on the rim of the keg drinking the beer from it, but without any help to lift the feet while the crowd cheered him. He managed to hold on that position for around twenty seconds and then ended up falling on his butt. The crowd booed him and the next fellow followed the suit. While the next one made his way towards the keg, I swear I saw him wink at me. 

Do I know him?, I wondered as that blond haired guy looked unfamiliar to me. 

"What is this?" I asked her again with jaw dropped smile and eyebrows perked up. 

"What? Don't you know? 

I stared blankly at her. 

"It will be more fun, then". She again started giggling. I won't be lying if I say I had an urge to punch on her face. "It's a Keg stand challenge they are trying to beat, but till now it's a fish," she said. 

"Fun? Challenge? Who have challenged whom?" 

"Des-" 

"Who else will it be, sweetheart, other than me?" 

I turned at the voice with wide eyes. "Desmond," 

"Yes sweetheart" 

"Don't call me that," I said through my gritted teeth.  

"I can't help myself calling you that. You have always rejected me, but today I have luck." 

"What do you mean?" 

He smirked and continued, "Do you know on what is the bet or I can say on who is the bet." I stared at him narrowing my eyes. 

"Whoever wins the challenge will get... to kiss you," he replied, emphasizing on kiss. 

"What?" Saying I was shocked was an understatement. I was baffled, befuddled, thunderstruck, stunned or whatever adjectives that describes my feelings. I doubt there was any problem with my hearing. No! Definitely I had heard it correct. How dare he... But before I know Ron jumped on him. Owen pulled him back in time. Ron struggled to free himself from the Owen's tough grip.  

"Bastard, how dare you..." Ron hissed. So much happened, but no one noticed it. All were drunk and immersed in their own noisy world. 

"It has been decided already. You have no other choice. You will have to kiss me and only me." 

His words were making me gag. I wanted to shout at him, punch him, pull his hair out, beat the crap out of him, but instead I smirked. I turned towards Ron, held my hand on his chest and blinked my eyes once, signaling him to stay calm. I assured Owen to leave Ron. Then I turned back to Macloy who was smirking unaware of the thing he was about to face. 

"So be ready sweetheart", he cooed. 

"Puh-lease, give me some air. Why do you always want be kicked, Desmond?" 

"You think anyone can beat me. You think anyone will be able to break my record of one minute forty eight seconds? It's impossible baby, just impossible," he said arrogantly. 

"It is very impressive that after being kicked out for so many times you still have that guts in your butt to day dream. Save your ass dude". I crossed my arms across my chest and gestured in the direction behind him. 

His expression became priceless when he saw his own boisterous record of one minute forty eight seconds being broken by none other than Steven. 

Only one word... Steven. I sighed as I managed not to show my clumsy side. 

The view was breathless. Steven was shirtless in the upside down position. His six packs which were in my imagination till now were clearly visible. His smooth skin and chiseled body was an open invitation for the orgasm. I bit my lip as I tried to control the urge of brushing fingers over his smooth, appealing body. I was finally having the moment beyond my imagination, but it wasn't only me seeing it. The whole female crowd was drooling over him, popping their eyes out of the socket. If I could just stupefy every one for a second... 

Steven smoothly landed back on his feet and everyone cheered him as he had broken the record. I blushed when my eyes met with him. He had won the bet. He had won me. Steven saved yet one more time. My cheeks started burning bright red. I was already floating in the air with the happiness. I had never imagined it to happen this way but I had always dreamed of touching those juicy lips with mine, feel them melt with the syncing motion of mine. And the moment was finally up. However it was, I was more than willing to kiss him. 

Steven grabbed his shirt and wore it back. He glanced at me and started his way towards me. With each step he took towards me, my heart started racing faster. Everything looked blurring except him. His lips twitched into a curve that was somewhat between smirk and grin. Time became mercilessly slow as he approached minimizing the distance between us. 

Four steps 

Three steps 

Two steps 

"Let's have one more bet." 

What? Who said that? No! This can't happen. Although, I recognized the voice, I couldn't believe it. 

"Ron! What the hell is wrong with you?" I asked Ron, pulling him back. 

"We are here at the party, Ash. Just enjoy. He won the bet. I just want to have another bet with him," he said bluntly. 

"What type of bet?" I asked. 

"Let's see how many cups of beer one can gulp. Whoever knocks out will be the obvious looser. It is as simple as that, but this bet will be only between me and Steven." 

"What? Ron, we are leaving. Let's go." I tried to pull him along with me, but he didn't move. "Ron, Come on. You are not used to lot of drinking." 

"I am not a kid, Ash. If you think you can take decisions for your own good, then so also I can take for myself," Ron retorted back. From where was this coming? Ron never behaved like this before. It was beyond my grip. 

"Ron, Ash is right. You should go home," Steven tried to convince him. 

"Bro, he wants to have a go at it, let him. He will have fun," Owen fueled the cheers. I and Steven gave him a death glare.  

"Okay, you are the winner. Now at least leave the party." Steven placed his hand on Ron's shoulder, but Ron brushed it off. 

"Don't try to treat me like I am some insane." 

Ron's words were becoming bitter every second. I didn't understand why he was doing this. What would he gain? He and I, both were very well aware of the consequences he would face later. Ron was a party-lover, but he always enjoyed the party being sober. What's the use of going to party, if you don't remember a thing about it? he always said. He was not used to a lot of alcohol in her system. I didn't want Ron to lie in his bed for two days with hangover and also his parents wouldn't appreciate the fact that their son comes home all drunk. 

Impotently, we had to agree with him. Someone placed a round table in the middle of the living room. Ron and Steven took the opposite chairs. On the count of three, both started gulping down the cups of beer one by one. Eloise went on filling Ron's cups while Owen filled Steven's cups. 

I was getting anxious every minute Ron gulped down the cup of beer. Ron had crossed his limit of drinking. I didn't even want to imagine how his state will be after finishing the bet. And I didn't even want to think about the reaction of his strict parents. Continuous cheers were adding in more anxiety. 

Ron's state was miserable at the end of tenth cup of beer, while Steven looked as normal at his eleventh beer filled cup as he was twenty minutes before. Eleanor filled the eleventh cup. Ron took it and sipped one third of the content and collapsed. I quickly rushed to him to check if he was okay. 

"I woooooon..." Ron slurred. "One more cup..." 

"Ron, get up. Let's go home." Steven helped me to haul him up. 

"Ashhhhhh... You look sho beautiful and... and your duplicate is alsho beautiful," Ron slurred again. I was unable to understand whether to laugh or cry. "Buuttt... how dare she look like you? You! Don't touch me." Ron pushed Steven away as he tried to help me carry him out. 

"Ron, pl.. please. Let Steven help me carry you to the car. I... I can't take your weight alone." I managed to spit out the words under his weight. God! He was too heavy. 

"Attention!" Suddenly Ron halted and saluted Owen. "Goooood morning, Sirrrr. Shhhhh... I didn't drink. I didn't drink. God promise, I didn't drink." 

"Ron lets go," I pushed him and with the great help from Steven carried him to his car. Steven slipped Ron on the backseat of the car. 

"I'll drop you both home," Steven said, fiddling in Ron's pocket to find the car key.  

After finding Ron's car key, Steven threw his own car key at Owen. "Follow us," he told him. 

I got into the passenger seat. Steven closed the door and excused himself, going back inside. Out of Curiosity, I opened the door and followed him. 

I saw Steven passing some group of wasted girls. He stopped at one group of guys where Desmond was standing. Swinging him, Steven punched hard on his jaw which made Desmond's mouth bleed. That was a really hard blow. I was sure; this blow would leave Desmond broken jaw. 

"Never do that again," Steven threatened him, pointing his index finger. I stood where I was, digesting whatever Steven did. Steven punched Desmond. I couldn't believe Steven cared me so much to go back and beat Desmond. Steven's behavior overwhelmed me.  

"Thanks," I mumbled when he came back. 

***** 

We dropped Ron at his home. Ron's servant opened the door, but I was sure his parents were awake. 

We reached in front of my house. I unlocked the seatbelt, opened the door slowly and hopped out of the car. Steven came out too. 

The night was silent. Not in a deadly, creepy manner, but in a pleasant way. A silver moon, like a new stamped-coin, rode triumphant in sky. A light wind swayed a branch of roses in my garden to and fro, shaking out their perfume. The street looked dark with few lamp posts. Mr and Mrs. Flemingway, an old couple, seemed to be still awake as the lights of their kitchen were on. Tall trees looked as if they were painting the horizon with the darkest color of hour. Strong wind, making its path through the branches of the tree like a serpent, swayed the trees and leaves made a noise as if wind whispered something, making them giggle. The whole environment was conspiring against two individuals who had not even confronted their feelings for each other. 

I glanced at Steven and it looked like he was too felt being a victim of this conspiracy. 

"Thanks for the drop... and good night, Steven," I mumbled. 

"Ash," he called me out. 

"Yes?" 

He smiled and came closer to me. "My award is remaining," he said huskily. 

My heart did a summersault hearing his words. Did he want the same thing? I had no idea whether it was effect of the surrounding or uncalled feeling in me which made me take one step closer to him. Without any notice, he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer. Our bodies were literally glued. He brought his face closer to mine till we were just an inch apart. His minty breath fanned my face that felt like a perfumed air. There was no hint of beer in his breath. Our shallow breathing sounded clearly in the silent night. Moon light shone his golden honey eyes making me submerge into the pool of it. His intense gaze made me close my eyes and wait for that touch I anticipated for so long. His breath brushed my lips, but the touch never happened. 

"I am sorry," he said and kissed my forehead. What? "Take care, Ash." I felt his hold loosened. He faltered away slowly. I knew he was leaving. I heard the sound of car engine. I wanted to open my eyes and hold him forever in my arms, but I couldn't. I just waited there, rooted to the ground with my eyes closed. The sound of car faded. 

No! He couldn't leave me this way. I needed him. 

I slowly opened my eyes which were now filled with tears. These tears were not of grief that he left, but were of happiness that he respected our relation. Our relation that had no name till now, but I wanted to give it a name - a name of love. Steven was the one I had been waiting for. He was perfect, my Mr. Perfect.