ARINA

"You should come. Ari, it will be epic. We can finally meet Edgar's friends. Plus he promised to match you up with someone." Hazel spoke brushing her teeth. The previous night she had crushed at my place.

I made out most of what she was talking about in mumbles but I pretended I was busy working on a school project. Matching me, that was the stupidest thing Edgar kept bringing up while we hang out, even though I told him a billion times not to and I wasn't interested in any of that. He has been on my neck saying I live a boring life and that I needed some fun.

"Ari... Are you even listening." She stormed angrily to where I had cozily laid in bed tapping the letters on my laptop.

"Come on girl. You know am behind schedule." I complained when she flipped my laptop to her side and switched it off.

"And I know you very well cause you always do your projects way past the line ahead." she defended herself.

She was totally right. I was busy giving myself extras trying to keep myself busy while I hide the fact I didn't want to go to that damn get together party.

" You know I don't like those kind of things. "I complained lowering my voice with puppy dog eyes staring deep at her eyes.

" And you know I don't take a no for an answer. Girl, get dressed we are late. "she spoke pulling me out of bed.

" God, what did I do in the past life to deserve such a friend in this life. "I complained making my way to the inner room.

Even though I made it difficult for her. She always find ways through things so easily. My complaints about not having a dress, she provided one. Not having heels, she lend me hers. My hair looking messy, she did her magic. My face looking like a tired bimbo, she made sure I came out as a goddess of beauty.

"Wow! You really know your talents well." I complimented her.

Soon we settled in an Uber as we were drove to our destination. I slept the entire ride since I didn't get enough sleep last night due to the fact that I was perfecting my project.

"Wakey, wakey! Sleepy head."

Hazel woke me up when we arrived. The cold chill of the evening had already kicked in. Checking the time it was half past nine and Iwas still dead sleepy.

"Am telling you. If you see me sleep don't wake me up. Get it." I raised my voice past the loud music as we entered the club.

This has been our hangout since we graduated from twelve grade. It's has been three years now. We knew this place like the back of our plams.

" Trust me you won't sleep. " she spoke making her way past the drunk crowd on the dance floor to the other end where the booths were located.

"Babe." I heard her call Edgar with so much enthusiasm as she hugged him.

I'd call that love, but to me that was something I didn't want to get involved in. I was barely twenty three. It was too soon for that.

" Ah! Ari, you made it." He teased.

I've been turning these guys down for a month now. My projects needed their master and her full attention. It's not like I couldn't save some time for fun, I simply wanted some alone time.

"Don't make it sound so awful." I warned.

"Yes ma'am."he raised his arms surrendering.

" Take a seat. This night is gonna be epic. "Edgar's shout out mixed with the deafening loud music.

Both Hazel and I took a seat close to each other. The night went well. I did enjoy myself. We laughed, danced, made jokes, played games, got drank as we enjoyed the music.

One thing I couldn't resist was the fact that I didn't notice we had a new member that I didn't know at the table. Once my eyes locked with his dark ones, felt a cold chill in my spine. But it disappeared as fast as it came. He didn't drink that much bit to me he looked pretty damn drank.

"Hey! Why are you looking at him. Do you have a crush or something?" Hazel asked.

Bet she noticed even though I had tried so much to hide the fact that my head was somewhere else.

"Crush! Not at all." I shyly.

Thanks heavens it was dark in here. Bet my cheeks were red from embarrassment. This Hazel would make fun of me the rest of my life if she knew the truth.

"If you say so." she finally gave in after making me feel awkward for a moment there.

"Heard he is Edgar's secret friend. Plus he told me to keep off him. He is not the type for getting together or making friends. Edgar says he is dangerous but I think he isn't someome dangerous." Hazel informed me.

As time passed by. The guy got up and headed to the nearest stairs that led to the balcony. Couple of minutes later I too needed a breather. After going to the washroom I decided to get some fresh air.

There he was standing at the edge of the balcony leaning against it, a cigarette on his right hand. My legs betrayed me when I chickened out and turned to leave.

"The balcony is big enough for two." I heard his voice behind.

Well that was embarrassing.

"I thought maybe you'd like the place all to yourself." I spoke walking towards him.

The balcony was indeed big enough for two but I had no idea why it felt so small with us two there. I stood a step away watching the night and how beautiful the city looked.

" Some company would be great. "he finally spoke breaking the deafening  awkward silent that was between us.

" Yeah. "I agreed lowering my voice.

" Arina Himari. "he called my name.

I wished I had never turned my eyes to his direction. His bore in mine as I so dearly froze. My entire being betrayed every ounce of dignity I had in me. Even though it was slightly dark, I still made out his facial. He was more manly than I thought.

"You can breath now." I heard his voice closer.

When did he even get there. The distance between us was no more. He smelt more of his menthol cigarette. But what drowned me was the fact his body was heavily built. My eyes landed on his chest which was half hidden by the loosely buttons of his shirt.

"Want some." he passed me the cigarette.

"I don't..." I dragged in a low tone.

"Ow! Bet you prefer being a passive smoker than a direct one." he stated.

"Meaning?" I questioned him.

"This."

He took a puff then slowly aligned his eyes with mine closing all the space between us completely. Taking his time he held my neck using his plam as his thumb slightly opened my lips, then he released the some in my mouth. Once it hit in, I slightly coughed.

"Easy." he whispered his eyes never leaving mine.

"So that's what you meant." I spoke killing the tension in me.

"Yes." he answered.

The cold rings on his fingers made it difficult for me to focuse. I trembled deep in me as my eyes landed on his lips then back at his eyes. We kept the posture for a second there before he broke the contact stepping back. Whatever he had thought changed the mood drastically. That to me was more dangerous than anything.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" He asked before taking in another puff and releasing it.

"That there, it's dangerous." I spoke my mind.

"What!"

I finally got his attention.

"One moment you seem friendly the next you are something else." I stated.

"Something else." he spoke as his lips curved for a slight smile that one would not even notice if they didn't pay close attention to it.

"Yeah!"

"Then what about now?" he asked once he had held me by my waist slightly pulling me closer to him but not close enough to feel his body warmth.

"Now I should be going home. Am done for the night." I spoke gently pushing his hand away from embracing me.

That was too much tension for me. I needed to get the hell away from him ASAP or else I'd be drowning without even noticing it.

"He warned you about me."

That was more like a question than a statement coming from him.

"Yeah, he did bit am too stubborn enough to believe him." I defended myself with the high level of pretentious act I could master.

"Bit your behavior says otherwise." he questioned me.

"Well believe what you want but am gonna find me a drive back home. Right now I don't trust any of my friends to take me home. I bet they are dead drank by now." I stated.

"And I bet you let me take you home or else am forced to believe you are being cautious now that Edgar warned you about me."

This guy. He had the nerve to put me in a tight situation just like that. How could he turn the situation around and make it look like nothing.

" You still rick alcohol. You are not sober. I can't trust myself with you. "I stated point blank.

" Trust me. "

Some about all this wasn't right but I wasn't ready to loose face. He'd think I was afraid of him just simply because of Edgar's warning.

" Fine. "I had to agree just to save myself some dignity.

" Shall we. "

We both walked back to the club. As I thought. They were all damn drank. Bidding Hazel goodbye I eased knowing Edgar would take care of her.

Soon we both settled in his car. So much for accepting a ride home. I was amazed at the Lamborghini hurricane that was in his possession. How much allowance does he even get. This made me question his background. I had some serious discussion with my brain trying to figure out who he was and what he was doing to earn a living. Simply I'd ask him directly since he was here but then again the warning. Yap it messed me up keeping my mouth shut was all I could do since most of the time my chatty mouth sometimes gets me in trouble. Who am I kidding, it always get me in trouble.

Hi guys this is my first chapter on LOST YOU FOREVER and am so excited to share it with you.

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One thing I realised he wasn't the one to initiate small talks. I felt like an idiot trying to make a conversation with him. Boredom will one day kill me if we both are put under the same roof together for a week. Not a month just a week.

"We are here." he announced interrupting me from my nap.

Well that was the best decision I've ever made to kill time. Lucky for me I won't have to deal with such a bore. This was the end of our encounter and I promised myself I'd never cross paths with him again.

" If you wanna come up, it's still okay." I invited him over assuming he would turn my offer down.

"Okay."

My eyes widened the moment the word left his mouth. Well this must be damned. I thought wrong.

"Are you sure about your decision?"I had to confirm maybe he was playing tricks on me and didn't mean it at all.

" sure. It's so nice of you to invite me over. "he stated.

That's when I understood the weight of my actions. Being a yasashi i hi to my foot. I take back everything I said to him in my mind.

" Shall we. " he brought me back from the land of my imagination.

" You sure do like adventures. "I spoke in a low tone.

He smirked at how embarrassed I was at the moment.

" Don't make me regret this. "I warned as I alighted the car.

We made our way to the basement elevator going up to the third floor as I led the way down the hallway to room 309 ,my apartment, located at the farthest end from the elevator.

Swiping on my pass key, the door unlocked and I marched in leaving him standing near the door post.

"Are you seriously waiting for a 'welcome' notice." I questioned him. Hands akimbo.

"Probably." he stated deviously.

"You can come in." I rolled my eyes before speaking. "and lock the door behind you."

"Are you sure about that. If I remember correctly am literally the guy who Edgar warned you about."

"Please don't piss me." I warned bitting my teeth as I spoke.

That was enough for me to handle for a night. I walked back to my room leaving him in the sitting area. Twenty minutes later I came back to check on him.

"The heck." he had already dozed off on my couch.

"Hey. Wake up. How are you supposed to go home like this." I spoke tapping him to wake the hell up.

"So much for believing you are not drunk." I joked.

"You know I can hear you." he spoke in a low tone his eyes still shut.

"Oh! Was I supposed to whisper."

"Get my things in my car." he stated.

The nerve. Was I his maid or what.

"If anything happens to me when I leave your apartment , you know my blood would be on your hands little missy."

Now his eyes were half way opened.

"Seriously, you come into my home, lie on my couch and have the guts to threaten me." I raised my voice at the end of my sentence.

Suddenly he got all worked up. It was as if he was gonna puke.

"Not on my couch." I spoke helping him up.

Quickly I rushed him to the bathroom. That was so disgusting. Giving him space, he tookcare of himself. Seconds later he walked sluggishly and sat on my favorite a one sitter couch near the window.

"Where did you say your things are?" I asked.

He was right. I couldn't let him drive himself back home if he was that unwell. Damn what he drank. I took his car keys from the table, rushed back to the basement and got his mini suitcase in the  boot.

"Oh dear." I cursed upon seeing his drank body lying in my bed.

"So much for a ride back home. Thank you mister. Now I have one more person on my bed." I complained to myself.

Taking a wet towel I cleaned his hands and face. This he was going to pay me for my services when he wakes up.

"Wake up. You haven't changed your clothes."

He sluggishly dragged himself to the bathroom as I lend a helping hand to retrieve his clean clothes from the suitcase.

Soon he had settled in bed. I took my time getting ready for bed. It's not that I wasn't drank. I was just tipsy enough to make me feel nauseous when I switched on the hot shower but I managed. Ten more minutes was enough to make me feel even more sicker than I was.

Missed the days when Hazel took care of me while I was drank. Now I had to care for a total stranger who just made my bed his.

I tucked myself in bed as far as possible away from him. It's not like I haven't shared a bed with someone, the fact that he was a man didn't seat well with me. Especially a drunk one. This was the time I regretted why I even accepted his offer of taking me home.

My eyes slowly started drifting away as the numbness kicked in rather fast.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Morning." I heard his voice closer to my ear.

For a second there I struggled to open my eyes and the sun rays didn't make it an easier. My realization hit hard when I saw how I had slept. Head against his chest as my hand rested not far from his which he had held onto mine.

"Slept well." he spoke out of the blues.

"Shit." I cursed getting up as my eyes went from his chest direct to his face. "I didn't mean..." I mumbled.

"Yeah, you did." he interrupted me.

"Seriously I did not."

"Yap,you totally did."

This was going nowhere at all.

"You kept tossing around so I had to keep you steady." he stated.

"Whatever."

I felt so embarrassed at the moment. Quickly I got out of bed and rushed to the inner room. My heartbeat had already elevated. Felt goosebumps all over my body but I chose to ignore it as I headed in the shower for a bath. Didn't take me long to get ready for the morning.

"I prepared breakfast." that was the first thing he spoke upon seeing me.

Well the aroma was tantalizing. Fresh brewed coffee, bacon and a sandwich.

"I never could have thought that you can cook." I spoke teasingly.

"There is more of me you have no idea about."

"True to that." I agreed taking a bit.

"I'll go freshen up. Meds are on the table don't forget to take them."

He left me wondering how considerate he was. That thought I pushed it farther away from my mind. It was indeed messing me up. I had to think about school and not about a man.

"You seem lost in thoughts."

Didn't notice he was already besides me.

"Thinking about a project." I lied.

I was busy thinking of ways to kick him out. He had already over stayed his welcome here. I needed some alone time. By the time we were done with everything since we woke up late, it was already one pm.

"What do you want for lunch?"he asked out of the blues.

"Lunch?" I asked confusion written all over my face.

" Aren't you late for anything?" I mastered the courage to ask.

"Mh! I am. I missed work today." he stated.

"Won't your boss fire you or something..." I dragged.

"I don't think so."he paused." Anyways, what's for lunch? Or should we go for some outside. Like a restaurant. "

" I should probably... "

" Get up. "he cut me in.

Literally dragging me back to my room.

Soon we were both ready. He drove us to a fancy restaurant where I pretty much enjoyed the meal. Later that evening, he made me accompany him for a walk in the park saying it's good for digestion. One thing I came to learn about him from our chat was that he can be pretty much good at persuading people.

From the flowers he bought me, to the expensive purse he chose, to the trying out an ice cream flavour from a stand, to the sitting on a child's swing in the park watching the night eating cotton candy. That's how persuasive he can be.

The night was still young when he decided to drop me back to my apartment. That was after getting an important call. He was in a hurry thus he didn't take his stuffs.

Well, coming to think about it, he wasn't that bad. In fact he was pretty much fun to be with even though he wasn't much of a smiley person. His hard to read expression was more lively compared to when we first met. Technically speaking it was the second day, yet I feel like I have known him forever.

I settled for a night movie since Hazel decided to crush at my place. Can't say we watched it at all. She kept asking questions about the guy who am yet to know the name. Felt stupid when she asked for his name which I had no idea.

"Seriously, how could you forget such an important matter." she questioned me.

"Don't blame me. I was busy getting a ride home." I defended myself.

"Fine." she agreed one sided.

"Anyways let's sleep. We have to go to work tomorrow." I suggested.

We both walked back to my room. The first thing I noticed was the mini suitcase on my bed.

"Going somewhere." she asked beating me to it first.

"Men's clothes." she spoke out loud taking a shirt in her hands. "

She sniffed it. " Smells nice. " The raised a brow.

" I bet it isn't Marko's. "she stated.

" Give me that. "I grabbed it away from her tossed it on the bag and closed it.

" It's not Marko's. "I finally spoke walking away from her to my closet keeping the bag safe and away from Hazel.

" Then it's from that guy. "she eyed me suspiciously.

" Yes. "I breathed out.

" So it means you actually had a one night stand and you were planning on not telling me. "she literally screamed at me while shaking me vigorously.

" Calm down, Hazel. "

" Okay Am calm. Spill it then. "

" There is no such thing as a one night stand for me. He just stayed for the night since he was drank. "I stated.

" Vibe killer. I thought you actually had it in you. Let's sleep or Mr Hernandez will surely fire us if we get to work late. "

I agreed with her. We both retired to bed at quarter to eleven pm.

Ssup second chapter down... 🥰🥰

Didn't take long enough for our shift to end, for a customer to ruin my day. He requested for a take out pastry which I made it really quick but he didn't appreciate that I spared him my time even though we were already off for the day.

"Crap, this is all ruined." He cursed yelling at me.

"What do you mean ruined?" I looked him with a stern face unimaginable of how there could be such a person on earth.

"Look at the edges, they ain't perfect." he stated.

The nerve of this guy.

"Sir if you came to cause trouble, this is not the place. Take your money and give me back my pastries." I spoke angrily grabbing the mini box I had put the cupcakes in.

"Such a rude service girl. I wanna talk to the one in charge. Who's the manager?" he asked.

"I am." we all heard a man's voice coming from the direction of the entrance /exit door.

The customer looked past me to the opposite direction.

"Good. First and foremost, I am so displeased to find such a rude employee you have." he aired out his thoughts.

The entire time he complained, the guy kept looking at him. Pretending to agree with him.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure I punish her." he spoke seriously that he aced in a managers job.

Soon the customer left while I on the other hand had to treat the kind sir for some pastries.

"Thanks so much." Hazel thanked him.

"No worries, such guys just treat them like idiots and let it pass."

"Thanks you..." I dragged.

"It's Liam Machmilliam." he introduced himself.

"Thanks Liam."

With that he left leaving us behind while we closed the restaurant for the night.

"He's cute." Hazel spoke once we had closed the restaurant for the night.

"Girl you need to dig out those other eyes. You should probably have eyes for Edgar alone." I reprimanded her.

"Ari...seriously. My eyes are ment to worshipp the cute one. Plus I can't resist it." she complained.

"Okay. Okay."

Soon I bid her bye as I took a cab back home. Bet it was Something about Edgar missing her. Plus it was their home and she needed to go back home. I was on my own for the night. Since my parents passed away, I've been on my own. No relatives, no brothers or sisters. I was the only daughter. I got home feeling exhausted that I just wanted to take a shower and go to bed.

"How was your day?" I heard a familiar voice coming from the inner room.

"What the hell." I cursed watching him dry his hair.

Who gave you a pass?" I asked pretentiously serious.

"Do I need one." he spoke while switching on the TV.

"You definitely need one."

"I know you missed me." he cut in.

"Yah I did."

That I couldn't deny. He was away for a week. His project workmates and him had a competition in Netherlands.

"You have grown taller since the last time I saw you." he spoke coming closer.

"Idiot." I cursed.

Suddenly he pulled me for a hug.

"Is that my shampoo I smell on you?" I asked jokingly.

"It's definitely is. I smell great right?"

To pull his high horse down, "You smell like a girl." I stated.

"Would it kill you for once if you be nicer."he complained.

" Yap. "

The rest of the evening went by while we cooked dinner, enjoyed it and settled for a movie. Marko has been one of a kind. It has been barely two months since we knew each other but feels like a year for the both of us. The kind of spark we both had was a natural one. Soon we both retired for bed. Well technically it's just me since Marko took the couch.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Where is your friend?" I asked Edgar.

"Which friend?" he asked suspiciously eyeing me.

"The one from the club, the other day." I stated.

"He is away on a Business meeting trip." he spoke while settling besides Hazel since they were sharing the same covers together.

We had decided instead of going clubbing we should take a break and enjoy quality time with movies. I had organised that with the hope that Edgar's friend would show up. This would make us a bit closer. Considering our last encounter, I knew I was more to him that what the eye meets.

"Ooh," that's all I managed to say.

For a second there I felt sad. It was more like disappointment was eating me alive. What did I expect, a goodbye? Anyway, a goodbye could have been nice.

"You missing him or something?" he asked teasingly.

"What! Hell no!" I got so embarrassed.

" Don't get involved, Ari." I heard Edgar speak.

Looking past the TV his eyes were on me.

"Hazel told me everything." he defended his statement.

I looked at Hazel in shock. She had promised, yet, I knew she'd spill the beans to her love bird. For once it would be great if she didn't talk about my love life to her boyfriend.

"Babe." Hazel slapped him. "It was girls talk."

"Trust me he is a good guy but getting involved with him, will get you soaked, messy and muddy too."

That got me thinking a lot but still I was a little hurt by him going away as if we didn't share a bond. A part of me wanted that, but the other had someone else in mind. Thinking of two guys who drives you insane is already an insane kind of feeling.

Throughout the movie, my mind roamed away. Countless times I dozed off. The movies was catchy bit I on the other hand wasn't a bit intrested in it.

"Am off to bed." I spoke getting up.

"It's early." Hazel chipped in.

"It's 11 59 almost midnight. It's not early." I stated.

Soon I was heading back to my room while Hazel tailed me.

"Spill it? What's going on with you today?" she asked.

"Well..." I dragged sitting at the bedside.

"Since Edgar told you to stay away, you have been uneasy." she stated.

"Just tired. That's all." I lied.

"You know I know you right? And now you are lying. What really happened between you too?" she asked her eyes seriously on mine.

"Nothing happened. It's just that I got a little disappointed." I defended myself.

"Disappointed, why?Ari, don't tell me you have feelings for him."

"No I don't." I denied it at a heart beat.

Somehow I felt as if I was betraying my own feelings.

"If you say so. I'll let you be then. But remember don't take anything seriously."

With that she walked away.

Soon I tucked myself in bed.

* * * * * * * * *

The rest of the day I spent it with Hazel shopping, that was not until Marko invited me for dinner. She insisted on drilling me up before she went back to her own home.

" You look lovely today." Marko spoke once he had set his eyes on me.

"Thanks to Hazel."

"I should thank her then the next time I see her."

We both settled in his car.

"Wow, this is amazing." I spoke after settling at our own table.

"A friend recommended." he stated.

We didn't wait for long before we were served. The food was was delicious and everything was perfect. He had already termed it as a date but I didn't take it that seriously.

Suddenly my phone rang disrupting us from our talk.

Checking the caller ID it was Edgar. For a second there I had the urge of picking it but looking past Marko I knew it was impolite.

"Take that it could be important."

I excused myself.

"Are you busy?" that was the first statement I heard.

This was the voice I had been longing to hear. Sounded so good at the moment. My heart pumped faster as he asked again.

"No, why?"

What in the world had gotten into me. I was with Marko and yet here I was saying I was free. This would be so rude of me to leave halfway through.

"I need the laptop in my suitcase." he stated. His voice tired and low too.

"Okay, I'll get it."

"It's important. He paused." Protect it with your life." for a second there it went silent and the line disconnected leaving me hearing the ring.

"Everything okay?" Marko asked.

"I am so sorry. I really have to head out." I apologized.

"Well, the least you can let me do is to drive you back since you barely ate." he stated.

" Okay." I agreed.

We both settled in his car as he drove off. At the parking lot we both said our goodbye. He slightly kissed me on my cheek close to my lips. This startled me a bit. His palm was so warm on my neck and his eyes looked deep into mine.

"What was that for?" I asked.

"Nothing."

For a moment there I thought it was something beautiful. Yet I found myself thinking about the other guy. His memory of us being closer that day in bed couldn't stop replaying in my head.

"Goodnight, missy." he whispered.

"Goodnight, Marko." I said it back.

"Next time don't bring your phone." he stated jokingly.

Soon I was in the elevator heading up, down the hallway I walked in haste. It has been half an hour since I last spoke to him. Quickly I undo my makeup and put on something lighter but sexy. I wore something comfortable a tee, pleated skirt, hood and sneakers. Didn't care much about the cold since I'll be delivering the back home. Suddenly I hear a slight knock on the door.

"Miss Arina." he stated.

"Yes, that's me."

"Mr. Raymond requested your presence."

So that's his name. Raymond, suits him best.

"Just a second. "

I headed back in grabbed, my backpack and followed the guy after locking the door. We both settled in the car. Soon we hit the road.

It was utterly quiet. He wasn't much of a talker same as his boss. Boredom was killing me thus I decided to fish out my phone and earphones from my hood pockets to entertain myself. I played several songs while I admired the night. The lights were so beautiful along the highway.

Suddenly I noticed a car tailing us. At first I pushed the thought aside saying it wa a mere coincidence. After awhile now I got alarmed.

"Sir, I think that white car is tailing us." I alarmed the driver.

"You sure. It's just a coincidence. Judging by it's a highway many cars are going the same direction." he tried to put some sense into me.

"Try speeding up, if the speed up we will know for sure." I came up with a plan.

The driver accelerated for a couple minutes and still tehe car was on us. When we changed lanes it did the same. Now we had proven our hunch right.

"Hold on."

He accelerated the car past a hundred kilometres per hour. The car was still on us. My heart started beating fast. Calming myself wasn't easy at all at such a situation.

The car launched and was at per with us. Suddenly their driver swayed the wheel towards our direction directing his car to hit ours. Not once not twice, I felt myself shift from the seat. The next thing I know is that we are in air as the car over turned away from the road. Seeing cars pass by fast, my eyes became heavy.