Chapter thirteen

I asked him that question because I have never seen someone coming through for me the way he did. He took big risks, changes, and costs. I was empty back in New York. I just had myself and no money. He came through for me. I did not want to feel like he was doing everything out of pity. I have never done anything cool for him. Maybe I would have assumed he was returning the favor I did for him back then.

"Why should you ask such a question?" He was confused.

"I am asking because I'm badly curious, I want to know why."? I sat facing the direction he was standing. He started walking towards me. I felt nervous, we are living together but still live apart. Seeing him walking closer to me made my heart race.

" Alysa, look at me." I was having a rollercoaster ride in my head and stomach. I could not look at him. I was trying to figure out why it was hard.

"Ain't you gonna look at me?" He repeated himself.

"I asked a question, Max. The answers to these questions are not written on your face.

"Fine. I just care about you that I find myself comfortable enough to go that length for you." He said.

I turned immediately and he said the last word. He was sitting close to me. Turning was almost like dumping my face on his face.

"I'm comfortable helping you out when you are in trouble." He added. He was coming closer to me and I was crazy about the feeling that was roaring inside of me. I looked at him, he looked at me. I folded my fists and I bit my lips. The passion in his eyes mesmerized my senses. The longer he stared at each other the closer we became. His hands held my hands, it was so tight. I tilted my head in the opposite direction.

"Ma…Max..?" I whispered.

I was ignored with a moist kiss. I don't know how that felt but the perfect description was moist. He stopped and I was crazy about how I felt so I kissed him back. I grabbed him by myself and we kissed.

There is always a breaking limit, the oven called for my attention with the sound it made. I stopped and left. It was an embarrassing but cute moment. I loved it.

"I'm gonna go take a shower." He said while walking out.

"I'm gonna finish making the food," I said while scattering more things for him to leave to bathe. He left and I was trying to control the feeling of ecstasy and excitement. I realized I scattered a whole lot while waiting for him to leave and I had to painfully arrange it back.

There was a knock on the door. I wasn't expecting anyone. I just opened it without thinking. I thought Max just ordered something and it arrived so I opened the door innocently.

"Hi Malie," I said after controlling the surprising feeling I had after seeing her. I did not have any idea she was coming. Max didn't give me my information either—maybe she did not tell Max she was coming. I was confused about her knowing where we both stayed.

How did she know?

She has been supportive all along and I didn't want to have any suspicions about her. I pushed those feelings of suspicion away. I welcomed her properly with some coffee and snacks.

"Oh, thank you for your kind treatment," She said. I looked at her and smiled. My smile disappeared after she left. I had to ask some questions like I was really confused at her manner of speech and reaction to everything I said.

I was expecting her to ask me questions about escaping from the wedding or how we decided to settle in together or how we are coping. I did not get any of those questions.

Max looked good today. I entered his room without knocking. I was in a hurry to get answers to my question and I forgot he told me he was going to have a bath. He was trying to put on his favorite sweatshirt. I don't know why he likes to but he told me it was his favorite.

I was standing and watching him silently. I had no idea he could see me from the mirror.

About ten minutes later, he called out to me.

"I can see you." He said. I was startled by his words. I adjusted myself and I walked into the room smiling hard.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were still dressing up. I didn't mean to come in like that." I apologized.

"It's okay, but I know the starting part was real. You were staring at me badly. Is everything alright?" He said. I was blushing and I didn't know why. I have lived with him and we did a whole lot together. I was wondering why I would stalk him and still not feel embarrassed about it. I felt like it was my right since we were living together. He didn't have any problem with all of my differences or excesses.

Every single time I closed my eyes, I was seeing what happened earlier. It was playing and replying much more than I could handle.

I had to focus.

"You did not tell me you were gonna invite Malie over."

"I wasn't expecting anybody…" I inquired.

"Ehm…I did not invite her over. I'm just aware of that," he added. He brushed and styled his hair while walking out of the room.

I followed him.

"It is nice she is here, so we can ask more questions comfortably without having any restrictions," Max suggested.

"Yes, that is true." I agreed.

Max welcomed her and I noticed I kept her sitting alone.

"I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting. I had to urgently sort out some things. I hope you are not bored or something?" I said as I apologized. It was my simple courtesy.

"No, no. I'm totally fine. I love the taste of your coffee." She complimented.

Max discussed our escape to Paris and how smooth it was. She flowed perfectly and that was beginning to erase my suspicions about her when I spoke to her earlier.

"I know you might be wondering why I came without informing any of you. I'm so sorry about that. There was a big problem. I had to come here to tell you." She said I started paying attention and it turned out there was a power struggle happening live in the Tribe of Anastia. It was so terrific and a lot of things were destroyed. Malie explained that she had no other place to run to and the only place that came to her mind was here.

We accepted her. Jeremy's brother sought to take after the death of his brother. I was still disturbed about not knowing that Jeremy had a brother. Jessica didn't even mention it to me. I was confused.