"It feels good to stare at the person you love. Feels good to think that you're together. Feels good to dream and to hope. But it hurts when you are staring at him and see he is staring at others." — Unknown

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Lauren's POV

"Dinner is ready. Shall we all head to the dining room?" theia Beatriz announced to everyone. They all rose from their seat and followed her. Just as we passed the grand winding stairsteps to the dining room, I heard my name being called.

"Lauren!" Christine's excited voice resonated around the grand foyer. I stop and swiveled to face her. She trotted down the grand winding stairs with her face glowing with exuberance.

I wonder what makes her so happy today? 

I smiled as I waited for her.

"Hi, Chrissy!!" I giggled and excitedly pulled her for a squeezy hug.

She giggled as she returned my hug. "How was your first day with my brother?" she asked rather teasing, pulling away, with her eyes dancing with mischief. I pouted petulantly, and she burst out giggling, then I frowned as I recalled how he ignored me the whole day, but I decided to keep it myself.

We followed the rest as we walked side by side. I completely ignored Zandros and the girl named Cassandra. Anderson was now talking to Zandros.

"It went well," I gave her a small smile, "although, your brother ignored me most times, but other than that, it went well. I met some guys that were nice, and I made a new friend!" I exclaimed excitedly as Naeah crosses my mind.

"Really?" she squealed as she hooks her hand into my inner elbow.

"Yeah," I nodded my head enthusiastically "her name is Naeah, and she's Zandros' secretary," I added, my eyes twinkling as the scene this morning flashes in my head. "Guess what?" I giggled recalling how she corrected Mr. Brute.

"What?" she grinned, staring at me expectantly.

I stop and she stops, too. Facing her, I darted my eyes to Zandros and I realized they are ahead of us already, and averted it back to her as I spoke softly. "She looked at your brother defiantly and corrected him with her name. Your brother mistook her as Eirie, you know ... your brother's previous secretary," she nodded her head in recognition and I continued on "Naeah rectified him with head held high," I caught the bottom of my lip between my teeth to stifle the laughter that about to burst out, but my eyes couldn't hide the amusement.

Chrissy let out a giggle with her eyes filled with amusement. "I wish I was there ..." she laughs louder, causing everyone to looked at us curiously.

I widened my eyes at her trying to stop her from giggling as we both caught up with the rest. When we entered the grand dining room, theia Beatriz was already sitting on theios Vladimir's right side, while the other was sitting in the middle of the oval dining table. Then across theios Vladimir seated his brother-in-law Andre and his wife on his left side. Cassandra sat in between her mother and Zandros, they were sitting across theia Beatriz, with Mr. Kostopoulis on theios Vladimir's left side. Anderson was still standing waiting for us to seat. Anderson took the seat beside his mother. I sat beside Anderson and Chrissy then took the chair beside me.

Not long, the food was served. Soon everyone's attention shifted to the mouthwatering meal.

"So Lauren, do you have a boyfriend?" Anderson suddenly asked causing me to stop midway of slicing my pork. I could feel everyone's eyes staring at me expectantly, waiting for my response.

I look around and caught Anderson's dad, smiling at him, looking utterly amused at his son's bluntness.

I looked at Zandros discreetly and he was staring darkly at his wine glass, his fingers were holding the stem in a grip. He's obviously not amused, unlike the others at the table.

He's always brooding, what should I expect, I thought.

"She doesn't have any boyfriend or even dated anyone!" Christine burst out giggling as she shot me a teasing stare. Thanks to her, she really knows how to save my ass, but I'd rather her keep her mouth shut.

"Really?" Anderson looks surprised, relief is clear in his tone as his intention. I just nod my head nonchalantly and resumed eating.

I discreetly nudge Chrissy's elbow in annoyance. She just chuckled and beamed at me. I pick up my wine and had a sip, avoiding to look at Zandros' direction.

"So Zandros and Cassandra," Mrs. Kostopoulis was smiling broadly that could reach China. It is obvious that she wants Zandros for her daughter. Who wouldn't want the CEO of the CMOSA?

Her thick golden chain necklace looks over to the top with her chameleon long sleeves chiffon top paired with dark blue tight fitting pants. She wore a thick chain bracelet that matches her necklace and a dangling gold earring. Her face cake with makeup that it looks like you could scoop her face with a fork. Obviously, she's the social climber type. Her husband, however, is the opposite of her. Clad in a simple striped blue buttoned down shirt tuck in his blue jeans, he looks so down-to-earth. "When are you guys planning to get married?" she grinned, taking her glass and made a sip.

When the words rang in my ears, I felt the wine went into a wrong hole making me cough persistently. Chrissy rubs my back to soothe it, but it didn't help at all. Then Anderson handed me a glass of water and I didn't bother asking who's water is it as I took it and downed it until it's half empty. I felt a little better after.

"Are you feeling better?" Anderson asked. Everyone was too fixed on me that we didn't see the Mailov couple sharing their mischievous smile. I just nod at Anderson as I gave him a small smile to reassure him I'm fine. I wipe my mouth with the table napkin and placed it down beside my plate, then I excused myself thinking to go to the washroom.

"Excuse me," I said as I stood up pushing my chair back so I can get out. I could feel the tears threatening to fall and I knew it's impossible to hold it back. As soon as I found the washroom, I quickly got in and locked the door behind me. I looked in the mirror as I propped my palms against the marble countertop. I let the tears fall and pain settles in my heart. If I knew this would happen, I wouldn't have come. I should have just reasoned out.

Stop crying Lauren. You don't deserve him. You deserve better. I chided myself.

I decided to go back when my emotions are under control.

Not long, I'm back to where I'm sitting and everyone was busy talking. I avoided looking at Zandros nor Cassandra. Chrissy was looking at me wearily. I gave her a tight smile. I finished my food and just sat there mindlessly listening to them talking. Anderson was talking to me, but my head was too blur to even register a word. I felt so exhausted and all I want at the moment is the comfort of my bed, where I'm alone and no one is watching as I cried my heart out, my cares away.

"Are you ok, Lauren sweety?" theia Beatriz asked her face were filled with worries.

I gave her a reassuring smile, "yes, theia." I nodded my head. "I'm fine!"

She stared at me intently, her eyes filled with fondness. The same eyes whenever she looks at her kids. "You can stay here tonight, honey. If you want, you can sleep in Chrissy's room or pick another room. Your choice," theios Vladimir suggested with fondness in his voice.

Suddenly, I missed my father. The same tone of voice. I blink back the tears away and force a smile. "Maybe next time, theios. I need to finish a report," I declined politely. Chrissy nudges me on the elbow.

"Why not?" she frowns. "Please sleep here tonight, please ... please ..." she begs, giving me her best puppy dog eyes. I groaned inwardly.

"Ok." I reluctantly agreed, causing her to squealed in happiness and pulled me for a hug. "Great!" she happily exclaimed.

When everyone was done eating, they all decided to continue their conversation with their wine on the balcony. Chrissy and I, joined Anderson in the living room as we watch the Steve Harvey show, the family feud. Anderson wants to watch the NFL, but since 2 over 1, we won.

"What is it with the show that you like about it?" Anderson whined as he grimaced. Chrissy and I laughed at his hilarious face.

"I just like him." I grinned. "I thought he is funny. And when he does this exaggerating facial expression, he looks funnier than his story," I burst out chuckling.

"Just watch Anderson and stop complaining. Let's play it, too." Chrissy giggled. Anderson agreed reluctantly like he has a choice. We all sat on the couch. Chrissy is between us.

"Ssshhh ... here we go," Chrissy hushed when Steve started to read the question causing Anderson to stop talking.

"Name something that many women hate doing but they do it anyway."

"What's your answer, Lauren?" Chrissy asked beaming at me.

"Go to work," I replied grinning cheekily. It's too easy.

"How about you, Anderson?" Chrissy nagged. He groaned loudly. "Come on, cooperate dude!" Chrissy scowled. She's getting irritated. I laughed.

"Just tell her what's in your mind, Anderson. She won't stop until she gets what she wants," I piped in causing him to groaned again, but then he responded anyway.

"Probably showering together," he replied with uncertainty yet grinning mischievously. Chrissy pouted, and mumbled incoherently.

"What about you?" I asked to her.

"Housework." She pouts her lips in disgust and I chuckled. "I hate cleaning!" she frowned and I nodded. When all the answers popped up on the screen, Chrissy and I squealed in happiness, then we turned to face Anderson. He was frowning at us and we both booed him which he just laughed it off.

It seems like an angel just passed by when Cassandra and Zandros joined us. An awkward silence took over as we watch Zandros took the couch across us, and Cassandra settled beside him. They look so cozy and deep within me, I envied her. I tore my eyes away from them and tried to focus it on the screen, but it was too impossible, all the while holding back my tears.

"Would you like to go to my room now?" Chrissy asked after the show was over.

"Sure," I replied quickly feeling relieved. Just then, I realized I have my laptop and the report in her brother's car. I thought I could do some work in her room. "I need to retrieve my stuff. It's in your brother's car." I said and instinctively looked at Zandros who was staring at me intently. It was hard and compelling.

I swallowed hard as I watch him rose from his seat, like a boss. He always moves with a spellbinding dominance and it always seized my heart. "Let's go," his tone were clipped and dark. I followed him quietly.

Even his back is as gorgeous as his face. I swallowed hard and tried to look away, tamping down the flush that's about to creep up as my thoughts getting haywire.

As soon as we got out of the mansion, he stops and waited for me until I was on his side, then he led me to the garage or showroom where his car was parked. The place was illuminated with a soft light coming from the corners of the showroom, but just enough to see everything around.

I waited at the garage wide doorway as he walked to his car and retrieve my stuff. He walked back to me and handed me my things. After thanking him, I swiveled around heading back inside when I felt him grabbed my arm in an iron grip. I sucked in my breath when he tugs me and I swirled into his chest, and he held me possessively like I'm going to fade.

I stood rooted to the ground, frozen. I don't know what to do. He was holding my waist possessively and our body was pressed against each other with my stuff in between our chest.

I leaned my face against his chest and just let myself drowned into his intoxicating scent. I could hear his harsh breathing. He was kissing my head so passionately, that I forget everything around us. That only matter is us. I snuggled into his arms even more. Taking in the overwhelming comfort it gave me, it felt like my heart is about to explode. I felt the stray tear rolling down my cheeks. It felt surreal. He was holding me, I felt so secured, it felt home.

He is my home.

I felt his lips pressing so passionately against the top of my head. "I promised, I will take care of you and protect you," he murmured softly. I blink my eyes and pulled myself a little, my heart pounding loudly in my ears, overwhelming joy flowing throughout me. I made a stepped back to looked up at him. His eyes look weary and I thought I saw love, longings in his eyes.

"Why?" I asked softly, confused rather curious.

He just stared at my face, then down to my lips and lingered there. I unconsciously bit my bottom lip as I stared at his, thinking how it feels like to be kissed by him.

He bends his head and then his lips found mine, brushing it gently and automatically shut. I felt a foreign sensation that spread throughout my body, it was delicious. As he deepens the kiss, I felt like I was electrified, and all my body was turning into jelly. My bones seem to left my body. My one hand automatically reached for his neck to cling on or I would drop on the floor. With my other hand still holding my laptop, I wonder how am I still holding on onto it.

I gasped when he tugs my bottom lip with his teeth, gently and before I knew it, his tongue invaded my mouth like a conqueror. Dragging his tongue around mine, teasing it, massaging up and around the walls of my mouth. I never knew that kisses were this good. He's definitely a good kisser. Not long, I was following his trail. Our tongue wrestles. I was gasping and moaning softly. Those tingling sensations erupted throughout my body.

Suddenly, he pulled himself away from me and step backward, when the realization hit him.

When his lips left mine, I felt a tad disappointed.

I watch him still in dazed as he ran his fingers through his hair, and he looks angry and alarmed, rather regrets.

"I shouldn't kiss you! I'm sorry, Lauren," he grumbles apologetically, his voice was low and regretful. My heart shattered into tiny million pieces, and I felt the tears welled up around my eyelid. Veiling the hurt with smiles, I nodded. He stared at me, his eyes were filled with pain. "It shouldn't happen! I wa—" I turned on my heel and left him without letting him finished his words. I just couldn't take it anymore so I ran to the entrance door and left him there. I was so hurt. I didn't regret the kisses. He was my first kiss and he made me feel like I'm the only one who enjoyed it. I tried to stifle my tears but it was really impossible.

I saw Chrissy approaching me with my purse on her hand. I veiled the hurt with smiles, and I felt relieved when she didn't notice anything. She led me upstairs, to her room.

She lends me a pair of pajamas. A silk skimpy short and a sleeveless silk top that matches the short. It looks comfortable, but I'm used to sleeping with only my undies and tank top.

We were both showered, and now lying on our back on the bed covers watching the ceiling. I'm wearing now her pajamas and it does really feel cozy.

"Can I asked you a question, Lauren?" Chrissy asked in a serious tone. My heart picks up a speed as I turned my head to look at her. She was still looking up the ceiling, mindlessly. I'm beginning to get anxious.

"Sure!" I replied forcing myself to get interested in her topic.

"Why you never dated any guy? I mean ... I know you have a lot of suitors," she started, then she shifted on her side so she's facing me. Her right elbow propped against the bed, her head resting on her palm. I shifted to my side, too, so we were both facing each other.

"I just don't find anyone interesting. Besides, you know I'm more focused on getting my parent's attention." I answered bitterly, sadness starting to crawl in my gut as my parents face flashed in my head. I quickly shook it off and stared at her.

She looks at me intently, her eyes searching my eyes before she threw me another question.

"Is it because you like my brother?" she inquired her eyes watching me intently. I looked away, trying to find a safe reply but it seems my head was in an 'off'mode. The thoughts of our kisses while ago just made it all worst making my head clouded with him.

"You do?" her eyes widened, looking at me incredulously as she bolted sat up. "You like my brother, don't deny it!!" she insisted with her loud voice.

"SSShhhhh... He might hear you!" I snapped and I sat upright, too, facing her. I can't believe she's becoming so

Since when she became nosy?

"Now, it all occur to me why you like guys older than you. It makes sense now!" she chanted happily.

"Please don't let him learn about it. Please, promise me, Christine Mailov?" I glared all the while begging her. She stopped and looked at me seriously.

"I would love to have you as my sister-in-law! Not Cassandra, I don't like her." Chrissy pouted instead.

"I know, but if your brother like her then you should just be happy with him." I coaxed her. I felt that pang of jealousy again and those familiar feelings rushed through me, fresh and more painful. I hate it when I feel that. It's awful. The words left bitterness in my heart.

"Fine," she reluctantly agreed, but her eyes said otherwise. Then silence took over once more.

"We need to sleep. I'm tired." I mumbled softly after a long silence. I could feel my eyes getting heavy. We both crawled under the cover and said our good night.

I closed my eyes and let sleep take over, but after a while, I'm still wide awake, sleep is still elusive. I was tossing and turning, trying to find sleep, but Zandros' kisses were taunting me, keeping me fully awake. I groaned inwardly. I felt my throat dry so I decided to just go down, and get a drink. Just then I realized, I forgot to drink milk, that's why I can't get to sleep. It's my routine before I go to bed.

I quietly and gently crawled out of the cover and off the bed, then tiptoeing out of Chrissy's room, then quietly headed downstairs, not wanting to wake anyone's up. 

With the light from outside, I successfully found my way to the dirty kitchen when the big double door fridge is. I opened the cupboard where the glasses are and took one. I opened the fridge and took the milk, then pour some on the glass.

I put the milk back in the fridge and closed it.

"Lauren!" Zandros voice startled me, causing me to jump on my feet. I swiveled to looked at him, he was leaning on the door frame with just his loose shirt and a boxer short. I quickly averted my eyes to my milk and pick it up then place it to my lips, drinking it straight until it's empty. I still felt thirsty.

I hear his soft footsteps coming closer to me, and then he stood behind me, causing me to gasped softly when his taut chest touch my back. I could feel the hair in the back of my neck, stood up, and my whole system tenses up. I gasped inwardly.

Then I realized, he was reaching for a glass from the cupboard, and I'm on his way. I felt disappointed, but I didn't show him. When he moves to the fridge to get some water, I started walking back to the door thinking to head back to Chrissy's room.

"Lauren!" he called, his voice is deep, husky, and needy, and I stopped mid stride. I reluctantly swiveled around to look at him. He drank his water and put the glass on the counter where I left my glass. Then he narrowed our gap.

"About the kiss," he started. His unreadable eyes lock on mine. He looks torn for a second as he opens his mouth and then closes it again. Looking up as he let out a frustrated sighed, I just watch him in dazed. He looks at me again, his eyes were now filled with hurt.

Hurt?

"I shouldn't ki—" I raised my hand to stop him. Probably it hurts him that he kissed me and he feels like he betrayed Cassandra. The thought only added salt to my bleeding heart. 

A sad-eyed smile graced my face. "I understand. I should have tried to stop you." I nodded, then I swallowed thickly. I wanted to scream, to scream the pain out of my heart, instead, I smiled, veiling the pain, "I-I know, you regretted it, and I—" 

"I didn't regret it," he cut me off before I could finish it. "I like kissing you. I wanted to do more, but I know it's not proper. I mean ..." he trailed off. He looks away, my heart starts to fill with hope again. 

A hope rises, the tiny pieces of my shattered heart, spliced back into one piece, beating again, with the same man. Just a simple, encouraging word, he can mend my heart.

I looked at him in disbelief. I can't believe I'm hearing it, he likes to kiss me. He has no idea how happy I am. No, happy is an understatement. I'm overwhelmed. My heart feels like it's going to explode as it overwhelms me. 

"Why?" was all I could afford to say after his confession. 

He stared at me for a moment, like memorizing my face, then he looks away. "Because I'm not for you!" he looks torn, but I ignored it. Then he steps back and stared fiercely into the distance. His hands rest on  his hips as he paces back and forth.

A sudden anger rippled down my spine. "Then why did you kissed me?" I grit out, my hand's clenching.

He swirled and stared at me with fire in his eyes. "I like you, Lauren, but we can't be together," there's an edge to his voice as he looks away again. His fingers ran through his disheveled hair once more, in deep frustrations. That word he said that he like me unlocked all the inhibitions and resistance I had.

With boldness, I closed our gap and he was just staring at me with disoriented eyes, and I daringly snaked my hands around his waist, pulling him closer to me.

"I had always loved you, Zandros," I confessed, my voice softening, my heart pounding loudly in my ears as I let all my emotions out, let him known, and whatever the consequences, I'll face it. It's now or never.

"Lauren," his voice sinking into a husky whisper. He cupped my face, his deeply sorrowful eyes were staring at me with so much passion. Then, he bends his head and captured my lips. Again his kisses stir a thousand different sensations that are new to me. I opened my mouth to welcome his exploring tongue. He swirled it around my mine and suck it briefly making me moaned. I could feel my legs buckling. I curled my hands around his neck to get some support, and kissed him back hungry, demandingly.

I felt his hands skimming the smooth plane of my back, then down to my behind, giving it a gentle rather sensual squeeze causing me to whimper.

The kissed was indescribable, and I don't want him to stop. His tongue danced with mine in a little more aggressive than the first time, the feels is just overwhelming causing me to moan softly nonstop. When our lips parted to draw breath, I was panting heavily. I didn't recover yet when he pulled me against his hard body, I let out a soft startled squeals. He chuckled softly, as he held me firmly yet with gentleness, our body pressing against each other with just a thin clothing that's between us. I felt something poking in just below my belly but I ignored it. I could feel his taut muscles, and feel his heart beating loudly matching mine, and it's like a music to my ears. I leaned my head against his chest, and just relish this moment. I just confessed my love for him. He likes me. That's all it matters to me.

"Lauren, you need to sleep, babe!" he murmured huskily. The last word melted my heart. I was so happy.

"Yeah," I chuckled softly, still in dazed as I reluctantly pulled myself away from his hold. I felt disappointed when our limbs parted but I quickly shook it off.

He groaned softly as he releases me.

"Good night!" I said, flustered as I hastily turned back to Chrissy's room. A wide smile broke out on my lips as I sauntered along the hallway towards my best friend's room.

...............

Zandros' POV

What have I done? I just made it complicated, but, I couldn't control myself around her. Those lips that were always clouding my thought were as sweet as the cherry. Soft yet firm and I could kiss her all day. Her body was perfectly molded to mine. She felt so soft and good in my arms. I felt so happy and contented. 

I wanted her, but I knew I can't. She's too young, vulnerable, and naive. I was rough and heartless. She doesn't deserve me. She deserves someone better, but I hate the thought of her in someone's arms. Hence, there are lots of better man that best suited her. A little younger than me probably, and I know soon, she'll realize, I was too old for her.

Just the thought added another weight to my already heavy chest. My heart seems to constrict every time I think about her.

Damnation! Why is it so hard? 

I wish it was easy.

I grunted when I felt my hard erection rubbing against my boxers and it's starting to annoy me. Just the touch of her made my whole system in havoc. My testosterone were all over the place.

Groaning inwardly, I walked back to my old room and decided to have a cold shower.

Lauren Leventis, what have you done to me?

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PLEASE VOTE AND COMMENT!

I'm still going through the chapters, so please bear with me if you encounter a lot of mistakes. I'm trying my best. I hope you overlook the mistakes. I'll go over the next chapter once I've got a chance again.