"If you have good friends, no matter how much life is sucking , they can make you laugh." ― P.C. Cast

(Unedited)
Lauren's POV

I'm sorry to disturb you guys, but I know Zandros has no clothing aside from his clothes from last night, so I thought to bring him one to change. I didn't mean to intrude Lauren.." she smiled. Then I realized she mean what she said and she seems very warm and nice.

"Come in!" I smiled, and move on the side to let her pass. Then I closed the door behind me. "Please feel at ease. Would you like anything to drink?" I asked leading her to the living room. Then I saw the glass and the tequila on the coffee table and I immediately walked past her and grab the glass and the bottled with half content. I felt so embarrassed.

"Oh it's fine Lauren. I did that last night!" she chuckled. "A coffee would do please." She replied sweetly.

"Please settle yourself comfortably as I go and brewed some coffee. I'm sorry, we were up,.. I mean I was up late.." I fumble for words to explain our current situation and Zandros. My cheeks was beet red at the moment, as the passionate lovemaking just happened a few minutes ago flashed through my head.

"Oh please Lauren.. We are in the modern age so don't be embarrassed!" she shrugged off, then settled herself on the couch. I heaved a relieved sighed and left her. I headed to the bar and place back the tequila in the cabinets where all my wine and assorted booze was neatly placed.

Then I made my way to the kitchen and started to brew a coffee. I heard footstep coming down the stairs. Then, Zandros voice. The two greeted, and not long I heard Zandros footstep coming to my direction. I ignored it and opened the cupboard where I kept my coffee mugs. I took three and place it down on the counter. Then, I felt his arms snaked around my waist with his nose nuzzling on the crook of my neck, sending a bolts of electrifying sensations all over my body.

"Do you want me to asked her to go?" He whispered and he was licking my neck.

"I'm fine if she's here. She's warm and I like her!" I replied nonchalantly, trying to ignore the tingling sensations slowly eating my sanity. Then I turned around and face him. His hands was still on my waist. I notice he was wearing a white t-shirt and his pants from last night. I curled my hands around his neck and he gave me a peck on my lips briefly. We are so cozy that we didn't hear Ashley's footsteps.

"I know you two are so in love making me so jealous. But I need some company please..." she pouted, crossing her hands on her chest.

I felt embarrassed but Zandros just chuckled. His other hand was still holding my waist possessively as we both face Ashley.

"Go accompany her, I'll just finished making our coffee." I suggest as I smiled cheekily. Then I remember how they take their coffee.

"How do you take your coffee Ash?" I asked sweetly. She turned to look at me and smiled. "Three cream and 1 sugar please.." she winked then she headed back to the living room. Zandros looked at me and told me to have just 1 sugar. Kissing me once more before following Ashley reluctantly, mumbling some words incoherently.

Not long, I was walking back with a tray in my hand of three mugs of coffee. I place the tray on the coffee table and then gave them their coffee. I settled myself beside Zandros and he rested his other hand on my waist. Ashley was sitting on the other couch facing the TV.

"So you two figured out at last huh? I'm glad Zandros finally let his heart win." Ashley commented mockingly and grinned deviously. I could see she's a very straight forward girl and very stunning. She actually look like Mila Kunis. I'm not surprised that Mario can't keep his hands off her. She was indeed breath taking. I just felt sorry for Isaac. I hope a girl comes and change his heart as well.

Zandros groaned at her remarked. I just smiled and made a careful sip on my coffee.

"So what made you come to visit Lauren? and early in the morning?" Zandros asked acidly as he snorted.

"I didn't came to intrude your privacy Mr... See, as a good friend of yours, I know you don't have extra clothes with you, so I came to bring you one. I called your phone but no answer, so I called Calixto and he said he drove you here last night and you never came home. So I knew you would need a clean clothes and boxers.." she winked and grinned mockingly. "And it's already 11 Mr. Mailov. The sun was already way up in the sky.." she clarified making him groaned more in frustrations.

"Well, thanks to you!" Zandros spat sarcastically and sip his coffee.

"You should!" she said derisively as she rolled her eyes on him. "I wanted to meet Lauren too. You know?" she added making me smile. I like her to be my friend too. I saw the two were so close and the jealousy before that I felt was gone and I felt secured that she's not a competition of his affection.

"So how long are you staying here in New York?" I asked. I know she's based in London.

"I'm leaving in two days." She smiled.

"Ohh.. why so early?" I felt sad. I wanted to hang out with her more. She seems so jolly to be with.

"I had to go back to work. I wanted to stay more but my job is calling my attention." She chuckled.

We are laughing as she told me all her funny experience in Vogue when Zandros phone rang. He place his mug on the coffee table and pulled his phone out of his pocket. He looked on the caller and then groaned.

"I had to take this girls. Please excuse me." He uttered and we just both nod. He didn't move. His hand was still resting on my waist, with his fingers rubbing the side of my waist.

Ashley and I busied ourselves on sipping our coffee as we listen to his conversation.

"Can I bring my girlfriend?" he asked, making me looked at him curiously. My heart fluttered and I felt so proud when he claimed me as his girlfriend.

I was staring at him lovingly, that I didn't notice the smile formed in Ashley's face.

--
Zandros' POV

I had to take the phone call. I've been ignoring Demetrio's call and Nicolas. And I thought maybe a time to meet Lauren. Introduced it to them.

We are in a conference call, except Stavros. I knew he was grieving too for the lost of his love, Alessandra De La Vega. That's why he's acting foolishly. I can't blame him. I understand what he's been through because I had the same situation as him. Although, I didn't take every girl on my bed, as he did. Not like him, he was partying hard, clubbing and hitting on different girls every night like a foolish man.

"What's up?" I snapped to Demetrio.

"Hey buddy. I'm fine.".. Demetrio replied sarcastically.. "I'm fine too!" Nicolas on the other line replied mockingly.

"Ok.. sorry guys. I know I was being a jerk. So what's up?" I asked again.. I was running my fingers on the side of Lauren's waist. Ashley and Lauren was quietly listening to our conversation. I can just leave them and talk to my friends in private but I don't want to leave Lauren. And not with Ashley. I know how bluntly she is and I don't want her to ruin our already stable relationship.

"Stavros was throwing a big party in his penthouse. Are you coming?" Nicolas inquired.

"Can I bring my girlfriend?" I asked, then I looked at her beside me. She was beaming at me, looking proud.

"You have a girlfriend?" Demetrio asked incredulously. Nicolas chuckled.

"So finally, Lauren Leventis was your girlfriend now?" Nicolas laughed heartily..

"Huh.. Wait.. wait.." Demetrio butted in, sounding at lost, making Nicolas laughed more. "And who is Lauren Leventis?" Demetrio asked nosily.

"Remember my sister's best friend?" I asked a bit reluctant, as I waited for their mockery remark. And I looked at Lauren, a bit worried. I don't want her to think that we are talking about her, albeit we are. And I'm relieved that they are both busy talking and Ashley. Too animated with their topic.

"So that girl? I can't blame you Zandros! She's a bit of every goddess even on her young age." He hooted and he burst into a fit of laughters. This is why I was hesitant to mention it to them. But I'm proud to introduce her to my friends.

"Well, what can I say?" Demetrio said after his laughters died down. "Congratulations buddy!" they chorused. I felt relieved that they didn't pressed on mocking me. Not that Lauren was beside me.

"Well, thank you. But, can I bring her?" I asked again.

"We love to finally meet her Zandros, but you know that will make Stavros feel more sad. I wanted to bring Andriana too.." Nicolas blurted out as he heaved a heavy sighed.

"Adriana?" Demetrio and I chorused beyond belief. Nicolas Petropoulis is finally introducing us a girl? He never introduces a girl ever, even just a fling. That's new.

"Ok, she's my first girlfriend. I had to leave her because I got scared and we were so young." He explained. Sounding hurt. I was shocked with his revelations. And I know everyone of us has it's own secrets. I didn't tell them either about Lauren. We are all so proud to accept that we are actually falling in love like a normal people do.

Suddenly, I felt Lauren's head leaning on my chest. I wrap my hand around her waist and kissed her head. Ashley was smiling sweetly.

"I think, I have to go." I heard Ashley said, rising on her feet and grab her purse. She left the big paper bag on the coffee table and Lauren stood up too, leading her to the door. Ashley just wave to me and then they both walked side by side to the door as they talk happily like two close friends.

I smiled.

"So, have you decided yet?" Nicolas snappy tone interrupted me with my zoned out thoughts.

"I think he's busy now with Lauren!" Demetrio chuckled making me snorted.

"Fine. When is this party?" I asked hesitantly.

"Tomorrow night." Demetrio replied.

"Ok. I'll be there." I confirmed.

"Great! We will see you there then buddy.." Nicolas stated excitedly.

"Ok, we will let you go Zandros. We have to set another reunion and meet your girlfriend!" Demetrio chuckled. After another mockery remark from them, I ended the call.

Then Lauren came back and settled beside me. I pulled her on my lap and she squealed.

"I like her! She's nice." She commented sweetly as she ran her palms on my chest in circles, making me groaned inwardly. I'm getting aroused.

"She's nice. I'm glad you two are getting along pretty well." I whispered and kissed the crook of her neck.

"Who called you?" she asked momentarily.

"Demetrio and Nicolas." I replied briefly.

"Oh you're childhood friends.." She groaned. "Are they asking you to join them clubbing?" she raised her eyebrow elegantly. I could sense a jealousy and objection in her voice.

"You know Stavros Demakis right?" I asked. Then she nods. "He's heartbroken and he was throwing a party, with just us. Demetrio and Nicolas thought we come to support him and cheer him up. As a good friend should do." I explained further.

"Ok. Then go.." she murmured and she leaned her head on my chest. Her smell was really driving me hard.

"You wouldn't mind? I asked surprised.

"Of course not!.. I understand it!" She looked into my eyes and then right there I wanted to take her but I knew she's sore. So I lay her on the couch and kissed her passionately, just being satisfied with cuddling and kissing her, just making out on the couch.

I can't get enough of her.

"I love you!" I murmured and kissed her upturned nose..

"I love you always Zandros!" she responded passionately and she smiled. Her fingers was running up and down my chest.

I sat back on the couch and pulled her to my side. Shortly, her phone rang. I groaned in disappointment when she stood up and pick up the phone from the receiver sitting on one of the end table.

I decided to just take a shower while she's on the phone and maybe take her out for lunch. I tood up from the couch and grab the paper bag.

--
Lauren's POV

I pick up the phone and it connected. I heard Mario's voice on the other line. My eyes was following Zandros. He stood up and pick up the paper bag.

"Hold on a second." I said. Then I covered the speaker not wanting Mario to hear Zandros voice.

"I'll go have shower and we can go eat somewhere." He stated casually and I just nod. Then I waited till he left and reach the stairs before I place the phone back close to my ear.

"So are you coming?" I asked after.

"No. That's why I called you. I want to tell you that I can't come today. Mom and Dad postponed their arrival. And Isaac was so busy we never talk yet." Mario explained briefly. I was happy he's not coming today. I don't have to hide Zandros and worried if he just showed up. And I don't want Zandros to see him and know he's staying here with me either. I knew he was jealous of him and I can't even tell him that he's a gay. I promised Mario not to tell anyone and he trust me. I can't betray him. And even if I'll tell him that he's my friend, still, the thought of him sleeping in the same roof with me will still bother Zandros. And I don't want to start a fight or any argument with him.

"Lauren!" Mario's snappy tone drag me back to reality.

"Sorry Mario. Yes. Just let me know if you're coming." I said casually.

"Thanks Lauren." he replied sounding distraught.

"You ok?" I asked worriedly.

"Yes." He replied swiftly.

"Ok.. See you then soon!" I said softly. I wanted to ask more but it's not the right time to press him with what's bothering him. We said our good byes and I ended the call. Then I placed back the phone on the receiver and then I made my way to the stairs to my bedroom.

Zandros was still in the washroom. I saw my phone on the bedside table. I picked it up and check for any calls. I saw 5 missed calls. All from Chrissy.

I felt guilty for not calling her. I was a terrible friend. I missed her.

I decided to call her back. I dialed her number and waited until it's connected. After several rings it connected.

"Christine Speaking..." she began.

"Chrissy!.." I trailed of.

"Lauren? Is that you?" she exclaimed surprised. Then she squealed excitedly. I had to pull the phone few inches away before I get deaf. Then I put it closer again to my ear after a few seconds.

"Yes.. Hey, I'm sorry!" I said softly. Tears are slowly welling up under my eyelids. "I missed you!" I added.

"I missed you too! Why didn't you call me? Is it my brother? I want to know what did he do to you!!" Chrissy's determined voice made me chuckled. She sounded really pissed and ready to kill. "What's so funny missy? You left without leaving me a word and worst, you never called me until now!" she whined making me feel remorseful.

"I'm sorry. I know and I'm terribly sorry." I explained briefly as I heaved a loud sighed. I don't know if I have to tell her or not. But she's my best friend. She knows everything about my life and she never judge me. She was always there and even when she was in Russia she never failed to call or email me and cheer me up.

"What happened Lauren?" she inquired and I knew I had to tell her. "Is it my brother?" she asked again.

"Well, sort of.." I trailed of. Trying to find the right words to explain it to her, not sounding to blame Zandros, but not me either. Kind of complicated. "What did he do to you? I knew he was to blame of this! I had to te-" I cut her off before she will finish her words.

"That night when I slept in your house, Zandros and I kissed and I confessed my feelings for him. He kissed me and admitted that he likes me. I thought we had a thing going after that confession but he left the next day. I was so hurt, so I left." I explained briefly. I felt that pain again just the thought of it. I can't help not to feel hurt, everytime I thought about it.

"Ohh Lauren.. I'm sorry." she murmured softly. Her voice was laced with deep sympathy. "But you know when you left, he work like a caveman." She explained truthfully.

"I didn't know he did.." I replied surprised.

"Yes, he did." She confirmed, then she sighed. I was too focused on talking to her that I didn't hear the washroom door opening and Zandros wrapped his hands around my waist, with his nose nuzzling on my shoulder.

" Who were you talking Agapi Mou?" he asked loudly. Too late to cover the speaker, Chrissy heard his voice. I heard her gasped. I bit my bottom lip.

"Zandros?" She squealed loudly. I had to pull my phone away from my ear again. Zandros chuckled when he heard his sister's voice. Taking the phone and put it on speaker, he responded.

"Hi sissy." He chuckled softly. I took the phone from him and he was kissing my neck after with his hands back on my waist.

"What are you doing there? Don't tell me-- you two are-"

"Dating." I cut off.

"She's my girl friend now!" Zandros replied eagerly.

"Yay.. I'm glad my stubborn brother finally realized it!" she uttered sardonically.

"We have something to do Chrissy. Call her next time." Zandros stated casually.

"I just talk to her!!!" Chrissy groaned in disapproval.

"We can talk for a bit Chrissy." I said casually and smack Zandros hand when he's about to take the phone away. He groaned loudly.

"Fine. Before my brother throw tantrums. I knew he misses you and I don't want to ruin it for him. But I'll call you back, or maybe call me. I don't want to ruin your special moment.." she chuckled. I agreed. I promised to call her back then I ended the call.

I tossed the phone on my bed and turn around to face Zandros. He was wearing only a boxer. His rippling muscles in every right places was so sexy.

"You are so handsome.. And you're mine!" I smiled sweetly as I ran my palm on his muscled chest.

"All yours Agapi Mou!" he chuckled and then he swept me off my feet and carried me to my bed. Gently putting me on my bed, he lay on top of me. "Where do you want to eat?" He asked after, as he brush the strands of my hair covering my cheeks lightly to the side.

"Anywhere Zandros, as long as I'm with you!" I smiled as I responded to his previous question.

Then he dipped his head and kisses my nose."You're nose are the cutest nose I've ever seen.." he murmured adoringly. I smiled. I love when he openly appreciate my looks. It make me feel secured.

"Ok, start getting ready Agapi mou." He kissed my lips briefly then he rolled on my side and swung his legs out of the bed and grab the clothes inside the paper bag. I agreed and I got out of the bed, and walked to the washroom, with a smile plastered on my face.

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