Liam laughs aloud, seemingly amused by the minutes. "Your ways of digging for information surely fascinates me, Ms. Jones." He glances down at me with a smiley face."I still want to hear it, and I quite appreciate the remark." I try to weaver my gaze from his by clutching the brush properly."Very well," Liam says, sighing as though he's about to disclose his most embarrassing secret. I stay attentive, my focus back on him. "I had a very hard time last night."Oh. "Why?" I urge.He releases a soft smile. "Because all I could think of was how alluring your body looked," he says gently."Um—“ I almost choke on my saliva or whatever. I think I've turned into a beetroot thinking of this little information."I wanted to fu—“ Liam pauses as I suddenly trip and almost fall from the ladder.What the heck! Thanks to Liam's quick reflexes I'm caught right on time.

What's wrong with him? I'm not used to hear him speaking monosyllable. "Are you okay?" I end up asking, my full attention back towards him."Oh yes," he answers fast. "I'm just a bit tired, and maybe bored.""You are bored? That's a lot to take in," I tease, and I'm glad to hear his grand laughter. "I don't believe that." I stand up, taking a pace towards the balcony while holding my towel tightly."Professor, I hope you're not taking me for some kind of Tom who always chases after Jerry," Malik remarks, and my big laughter is guaranteed."You're crazy, Malik.""I'm serious, though. I mean, I also get bored and in need of some solitude at the same time.""Well, I believe we all need that moment at some point. So, when are you coming back?" I ask, and I can feel Malik's enthusiasm back into full track."I was right! You do miss me, huh?" he teases. "I'l

Sam looks completely taken aback, despondent even. But I keep my eyes insistent. "Why? Has he said something?" she snorts, a mild anger filled in her eyes . . . the same reaction she gives whenever you tell her what she doesn't want to hear."No. I'm just saying that maybe he doesn't feel the same way. If not, then why would he keep the indifference? To play around with you? I don't think he's thatkind of a person," I say, clearing my throat. Sam frowns, but just momentarily."What did he tell you when he invited you here?" I ask, and Sam blanches.What's wrong with her? I squint my eyes at her quivering lips."Kira, I have something to confess," Sam mutters, and I look up at her. She's slightly fidgeting. "The truth is, between Liam and I, nothing extraordinary happened," she says, and I shoot a quizzical eyebrow. "We didn't even kiss like I told you before. We had nothing intimate."

I quickly change into a white max dress that's perfect for a lovely summer date.Except that I'm not going on a date. With my curls tied up, and brown sunglasses,I'm so good to go.My self-confidence is all that I need right now to beat my demons before they make me feel undeserving of good things in life."Long dresses are also beautiful on you, huh?" Malik comments when I step outside, his mien playful as always.What a tease."Is that supposed to be a compliment, Malik?" I laugh with a clear joy, and so does he with a slight shrug. "If it is, then thank you. I'm ready."Malik gives Liam a call to inform him about our little escape, and I choose to stay oblivious of their conversation as we near the helicopter. Cyrus, the pilot, regards me with a simple hello, and I answer as given."Ready?" Malik asks him after ending the call.

He has no idea how striving I am to avoid any problem as far as our secret involvement is concerned. I take a deep breath, my feet heading for the stairs.But Liam doesn't let me go that easily. "What about dinner?"I halt by the staircase, gripping the handrails. "I had dinner already," I answer gruffly, whirling my gaze back at him."You did?" His voice is curt, displeased."Yeah. Would you like a receipt?" I sarcastically remark, making Malik block his mouth from laughing aloud.Liam's jaw constricts. Jeez! Well, he called for it. I stay firm."Actually, I wouldn't call that dinner, Professor," Malik says cautiously, eyes on me. "It was just a snack and—“"And I had enough for three," I interject."Well, if you put it that way, Professor." Malik laughs delightedly, successfully reading the signs. "I like your appetite, by the way.""Oh, shut up," I hiss, and he laughs even more.Jeez, there's no stopping him! I roll my eyes."You'r