Off the edge.

'' Alec , glad you could make it . '' Leo spoke as he led them to a table.

'' I had to. Otherwise Gwen would attract unwanted attention...'' He nodded at Leo. '' And I wouldn't want that. ''

Gwen could almost taste the venom in the air. These two were literally throwing daggers with their eyes. She was glad when they arrived at their table. At least she could just be seated and drink as they were at each other's throats.

Alec moved to pull out a chair for her but Leo beat him to it.

'' I'll get that for you . '' Leo made sure she was well seated before he followed and sat by her. '' Do you like the place? ''

Gwen was happy with what she saw. Leo had finally built his dream. She was truly happy for him.

'' I'm proud of you. '' She put her hand over his. '' I really am. ''

Ruth was watching from a distance. She couldn't quite take the frown stuck to her face off. She was down four shots of vodka but it barely had an effect on her. She poured her fifth shot down her throat and headed for the table they were at.

'' Hey guys ! Can I join you ? '' She got herself seated next to Alec. They were across Leo and Gwen. She glanced at Alec. How was he so composed ? Leo was literally all over his girlfriend and as far as she could tell , Gwen wasn't putting up much of a fight.

" Why aren't you doing something? '' She whispered to Alec. '' Do you trust her that much ? ''

Alec sighed and signaled for a drink. '' Isn't this place nice , huh ? The atmosphere , the decor , the uhm... everything ? ''

" Are you seriously changing the topic right now ?! " Ruth was seething with rage.

'' Yes I am. Let's talk about you for a change. '' Alec turned to face her wholly. '' Do you like this guy ? '' His ice cold eyes made her throat dry.

" I...I...'' She couldn't find the words.

'' I'll take that as a yes. '' He shrugged and sipped his liquor. '' And Derrick , what about him ? Does he gave no value to you ? "

Why was he asking this ? Her heart stopped beating when he leaned in closer. She didn't have an answer. He had her cornered.

" You have no say in my love life...so...so stop prying ! '' Her chest was heaving as words came out as premature stammers.

'' Exactly what I was thinking. '' He moved back. '' Stop prying. ''

"_"

Alec had to admit it . Although he was one to give Ruth a mouthful , he himself struggled not to take out Leo's teeth one by one. Why was he smiling so much ? Alec could feel the disgust on his face so he made it a point to look everywhere else but infront of him. The walls , the people , the tables , hell , he'd even look at the ceiling if he had to. Just then , he got a message on his phone.

' Jealousy suits you. '

It was from Gwen. He looked up at her but she pretended not to notice. She kept talking to Leo. He took out his phone and messaged her back .

' I know a perfect look for your dreamy eyed friend over there. After a few punches , he'll be irresistible. '

Gwen wanted to laugh but it could only hint as a faint smile.

' I dare you. '

As soon as she sent that text , she regretted it. What if Alec actually punched Leo's face in ?

' He wouldn't , right ? ' She mumbled to herself. Why was she asking herself ? As if answering her , Alec began to rise from his seat but , almost like a reflex , she jumped to her feet and pulled Leo with her .

" Let's dance ! " She dashed off with Leo following.

" You've been in here for long. '' Ryan covered Freya's shoulders with a blanket. '' Are you missing her ? ''

Freya wiped her nose with the tissue in her hand. She'd been crying and her face burned with emotion. She looked around Alison's room. It had been kept exactly the same from the time she was in it. She moved from the window and sat on her bed. It was soft and delicate...just like she was. Ryan came and sat by her.

'' What do you think she'd look like now ? Skinny ? Chubby ? '' She giggled lightly. '' More like Alec or Ruth ? ''

'' Why are you suddenly thinking about this ? You should just rest and let the past remain in the past. ''

'' I know...I know. It's just , from time to time...I miss her more than usual. '' She sighed. '' But you're right. I...We...should focus on now...on our kids individual happiness. ''

'' Speaking of happiness. Alec and that Gwen girl...'' Ryan chuckled. '' They are happy. ''

Freya clutched the sheets. '' She's good for him. She makes him happy. '' She looked at Ryan , '' And his happiness matters most , right ? ''

'' Of course. ''

Freya smiled back at him and lay her head on his chest. His heart beat was calm compared to hers which thundered in her ribcage. Oh she hoped , she just hoped he never found out...and if he did , she didn't want to think about what might happen...Chaos.

'' You've been showing me around for ages now ! '' Gwen stopped to rest. They'd left the party downstairs and toured the whole place. What if Alec was looking for her ? Her phone wasn't with her. '' I'm exhausted. ''

'' One more office. '' Leo supported her and led her to a door. '' My office. ''

It was vast and sophisticated. There was a mini bar in one corner of the room , a book shelf in another. Leo stood by the mega window with two glasses of wine in his hands.

'' Haven't you had a bit too much to drink today ? '' She took one glass from him. She looked down at the night view of the traffic. It looked so beautiful from up here. '' It's breathtaking. ''

'' It truly is. ''

Leo spoke with his eyes fixed on her. She cleared her throat and looked away. She didn't like the look he gave her.

'' Can we go back downst- '' She was cut short . Before she could react , Leo's lips were on hers. He was like a different person. He moved with desire , need...anger. '' Stop it ! ''

She managed to hold him back for a few seconds before he was back with a much stronger determination. '' For once , just this once , don't push me away Gwen. ''

'' Let me go! '' She spoke through gritted teeth. She didn't know whether her resistance only added fuel to the flames of his insanity but each time she pushed him away , his grip grew in strength. She could feel her skin ache from the force. His hands were all over her. From her waist for her neck then to her back as his lips never left hers.

'' Leo , stop it ! '' She bit his lips and the taste of blood filled her mouth. She was gasping for air. He had a scratch from his jaw to his neck.

'' Stay away!''