"You’re insane Alex." She hissed, and shuddered.

I couldn’t help to notice how cute she was being worried over my absence.

"Even though I’m not a trained marshal fighter, I’m still a big man.. I’m capable of protecting myself."

"What happened?.. where did Ghost take you to?" Ava asked out of curiosity.

Her gaze at my mouth soughted-after all the events that played out.

"I was threatened by people i don’t even know... Ghost is part of them but his playing a neutral role but still being the dickhead he is.."

"So what about ghost? I only got a glimpse of him.. what’s he like? Are the rumors true?"

I went close to her ear and whispered. "Take a guess.."

She smiled as if she already knew. "He is right?"

I laughed hard and answered "You’re wrong, he’s not, just infertile I presume.."

"Ohh I see, but still how did he not die!?" She questioned herself but didn’t let it go any further. She brushed it off.

’For some reason I don’t know I lied to her, but I saw the need to. Its very important on the pursuit of true power to say a little, or mix truth with lies if necessary.’

’No one should truly know my next move not even an ally.’

’Now i have an upper hand against Rachel, let’s see if she wouldn’t kneel before me.’

Ava brought my attention back as she shook me.

"But still what really happened Alex..’

"You don’t have to worry Ava, I’ve handled it, I’m sure Ghost will stay clear for awhile this time.."

Her eyes narrowed as she glared at me knowing I was retrieving a lot to be said.

Ava grabbed my hand. "You don’t have to keep being a dickhead, you know that right..." she snapped.

Then she smirked, wild and alive. And kissed me right there.

"Woah.." I pulled her out for a second. "Out here?"

"Ohhh.."

She gave a crisp nods.

"Sorry i didn’t mean to.." her cheeks flushe red, eyes flicked to the side.

"It’s okay Ava.. Let’s enjoy the night.."

I picked two glass of wine from the server. One for me and the other for her.

"Cheers!"

Clank..

Our gaze met, with a sly grin, taking a sip.

From a distance someone stole my attention. It was her all alone, idly rotating her cup.

"Excuse me for a moment.." I gently brushed through Ava.

And walked towards Aubrey.

"And why are you here by yourself.."

Aubrey flinched, unknown to who just spoke to her.

I found her, or maybe she’d wanted to be found.

Her eyes raised to meet mine.

"Ohh it’s you.."she said.

"It’s me? Where you expecting someone else?" I asked.

But Aubrey kept her gaze lowered, tension rolling off her. She gulped her drink once.

Only when she swallowed every drop. She finally noticed the heavy silence and my eyes fixed on her. She picked up the soft linen and dabbed on her mouth.

"Sorry.." she said lightly. "Why are you here?..pardon me for asking but I saw you over there with your numerous lovers.."

"In as much as I was lonely, i didn’t really need company.."

I bit my lip and smiled inwardly, and gave a small gesture to the waiting servant. "Pour another glass for the both of us.."

Aubrey’s face brightened instantly. "Thank you.." she said with a warm genuine smile. Accepting the drink without hesitation.

"It’s almost midnight.."

"And whats so special about midnight?" She replied with a mix of curiosity and disinterest.

"The dance starts at midnight.."

She giggled nervously. "Are you asking me to dance with you?" Aubrey already knew what the answer was but still decided to ask. Full of quiet anticipation.

"Well you heard me.. darling.."

Aubrey’s eyes lit up with sudden hope.

’Darling? What’s going on, why is he all of a sudden not mad at me anymore... or is he already intoxicated?’

"How many fingers I’m I holding up Alex."

"Haha, are you kidding..."

’Ohh since he found it funny and weird, I guess he’s still okay.’

"So are you going to dance with me or not?"

’Really? Does he think I’ll turn down a dance with the most sexiest man alive.’

"Yes! No!, Ohh sorry, I’ll love to dance with you."

I chuckled at her, knowing she was nervous. I stretched my hand out and without thinking she placed her small tender palm on mine. Leaning against me with ease. She gave an ear-to-ear smile.

The dance started at midnight. Bodies close, whispers hot against ears. Soft jazz music playing live in background, felt in the heart than heard.

"No lies," I murmured as my hands found her waist. "No games."

Aubrey let me lead. One song. Then two. The city spin outside but the ballroom was a sealed world.

"I didn’t know you moved so good.." i said, voice steady. But my hand was on her waist shaking.

’I’m i nervous? Why though? Why does this moment feel like it has happened before. But it didn’t feel this great.’

’Her genuine smile gleamed so bright it pierced through my chest. Felt like something I longed for through my darkest moments.’

’But then again, every shitty memories of the person she was, broke that light.’

Aubrey nodded, the brightness in her eyes dimmed a little, she places her head on my chest. Almost as if she knew what was going through my mind.

" I’m sorry for everything I did to you Alex.. I own up to my mistakes, I was foolish, young and dumb... I know your still hurt but please don’t push me away.."

I studied her for a brief moment, visibly surprised to how open and calm she spoke.

I sensed she was being sincere, matured enough to deduce what she really wanted.

I softly whispered. "I don’t have any grievances against you, all i just wanted was for you to be disciplined.."

"But things will never be the same again, i have bigger things to tackle, and your just a fraction of it Aubrey..."