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CHAPTER 72
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2022-04-26 12:09:46"What happened?" Malik eyes my suitcase with pure dismay.
"She knows," I sob, wiping my tears. "She's found out already."Malik says nothing. Slowly he pulls me into his arms and I easily dissolve in his embrace. My hiccups take the best of me like a child, my chin on his shoulder. I feellost and empty. I just cry . . . and he rubs my back gently, no word coming from his mouth. I still can’t believe the worst has happened."I'm sorry for this." I finally tug out and manage to smile while picking my bags, ready to face the aftermath; my scary unknown after ruining everything."It's okay," Malik tells me softly, smile forced and rueful. "You're still leaving?" He sounds indisposed."Yeah, I can't stay here anymore." I lift my eyes to meet his, a bittersweet laughter escaping my lips at this mess I'm in. "I don't want to be here, Malik. I don't have any right to be here." Tears fall down yet again, blurring my visionRelated chapters
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 73
Smiling faintly, I turn my back to hop into the taxi that's been waiting for ages. The driver is probably wondering why we're having a display of affection in the middle of the city, instead of wherever we came from.It's when Malik grabs my wrist suddenly, right before I grab the door handle.He steadfastly pulls me to his side, like he's forgotten something very important. I'm so startled as I land my hands on his chest, and find myself tightly against his body. He swallows nervously, his shiny eyes piercing into mine.I don't understand this attitude, until his lips land onto mine.I don't do a thing. I'm just too puzzled to react. He's kissing me, I know he is, but it's like I'm hypnotized with the shock or something. Everything ceases to exist, and I can't even feel my own heartbeat.What is this? What is Malik doing now? My two subs widen their eyes, utterly shocked.He suddenly frees me, and I look up at him
Last Updated : 2022-04-26Hot Summer In California CHAPTER ONE
I'm standing in the middle of the massive grassland, lost into its view. The wild sun is shining gently, and I can feel the soothing, country breeze flipping my hair swiftly. The feeling is no longer foreign, I've been here before. It's the same place, and he will soon show up; the one with sensual hands, engulfing scent, the only one who constantly makes my heart beat fast, and my curiosity go wild, and my eyes go blind. I wander my gaze into the horizon, taking in every detail of the enchanting, crystal-blue sky, married to the waltzing silver clouds, and that's when I feel his presence behind me; so electrifying, utterly beguiling.He hugs me tightly, making me melt completely to his touch, my body yielding to his grasp. I close my eyes to indulge the moment, the very same salacious moment, as he whispers in my ears, something I scarcely hear. I try to turn around, to finally have a glimpse of his beautiful face, the one that I've marveled over a million times in my
Last Updated : 2022-04-21Hot Summer In California CHAPTER TWO
Later on after work, which has been longer that I anticipated, I go straight home; it's almost my usual routine. Nothing but the calmness and lavender scent welcome me in my apartment that's furnished in red and white, feeling so great to be home. Sometimes it feels so big that I'm starting to consider buying a pet. Sighing, I kick off my heels, drop my handbag on the couch, and make my way towards the kitchen that's adjoined to the living room. I hope I can find something edible before I lose my balance. I feel like I've survived a hunger disaster.I make myself a sandwich from whatever I find in my refrigerator, and pretend to have dinner while thinking of Sam's call and her crazy ideas. I better call back before she makes a long distance scene. I'm so glad we live and work separately, or else it'd be a catastrophe. We're like fire and water, yet inseparable."Finally," Sam speaks as soon as she picks up, and I throw myself on the red loveseat sofa, feet on the b
Last Updated : 2022-04-21Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 3
The next morning, a few hours before our flight, I bump into Amelia, my next-door neighbor who never stops talking of aura and energy. She's into Tarot reading, and I'm not a believer. As usual, she smiles jovially, her big green eyes shimmering brightly."Morning, Kira," she greets with that extra enthusiasm. "You look specifically beautiful today."I arch my brows. "Amelia, I'm wearing my pajamas, and I'm holding a bag of trash, are you kidding me?"She waves her chubby hand sassily. "I'm talking about your inner beauty, dear. I can see luck, luck, luck; you're surrounded with nothing but luck!""Huh?" I frown, stifling a laugh, for I swear there's no way I'll ever understand her words. "What luck?" I end up asking."Love," she says briskly, excited even. "You'll soon be blessed with love, lots of love. It may even feel surreal, dear.""Huh?" I laugh, staring at the green eyes on my redhead n
Last Updated : 2022-04-21Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 4
Peter places our stuff inside the car with such easiness. I watch his hard, tanned body that seems accustomed to heavy jobs, moving swiftly. He's hot, I guess.Well, it's impossible not to admire the God's creation sometimes."I think I'm going to love this vacation," I think out loud, and all eyes turn towards me. "Well, I'm referring to this place.""Really?" Sam murmurs, giving me one of her dubious looks.I'm serious, though.We hit the two-lane asphalt as soon as we dive away from the city. Sam has been striking a conversation with Peter, as I busy myself with the fascinating view through the half-scrolled window."So, are you related to Liam?" I hear Sam asking him."No," says Peter. "Sir Liam is my boss."Attempting to stay oblivious of the two, I grab my camera from the handbag, and start clicking some pictures."How long
Last Updated : 2022-04-21Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 5
After exchanging our greetings, Mrs. Eleanor invites us inside her home, to at least have something to eat. I'm glad she does, for my tummy is about to start rumbling, and I'm not sure what our hosts would make out of it. Walking in, we're regarded by the classic foyer with a warm ambience. A brown sofa is installed near the large window, and two wing chairs right beside the fireplace that sends a soothing warmth. I slowly settle on the couch, per Eleanor's cordial instruction, and a soft breath escapes my lips as I try to get relaxed.For a moment I forget that it's summer time, and right now it's certainly burning in L.A. Being here at this particular moment is like escaping the furnace I call home. I'm now beginning to believe I've made a right decision by stepping out of California. This place is awesome.So far so good."Would you like some coffee or tea?" Mrs. Eleanor kindly asks us, her voice gentle."Tea wil
Last Updated : 2022-04-21Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 6
I'm led upstairs, and I'm immediately awed to catch a glimpse of a huge library from a far end. I'm addicted to books, and I guess it shows right away from my stupid grin. Mrs. Eleanor notices and gives me a smile."Do you read books, Mrs. Eleanor?" I ask, my eyes fixed on my subject of interest."Me? No way," she responds quickly, and starts laughing. "They belong to Liam. He's the one obsessed with books, and a very good collector as well."Him? I wouldn't have bet even after my reincarnation."Oh, I see," I quip, wandering my gaze around the silent hall accented with stylish bulbs of golden lights, and small paintings. The walls are coated in milky white, blending perfectly with the wooden furniture that seem to dominate the entire furnishing of this house.We finally halt at the door, and Eleanor swings it open. I think it's the room, judging from my brown, Louis Vuitton suitcase that I come acros
Last Updated : 2022-04-22Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 7
For dinner we had tasty saffron rice with garden peas, a tender roasted beef with plenty of veggies, and a grand fruit torte for dessert. Eleanor prepared everything herself and I was honored to learn her secret recipe as we exchanged stories in the kitchen.She's a marvel in the kitchen.It turns out that they lived in London before moving to Montana a year ago, after her husband's death. It was a rueful revelation. Well, she's such a good conversationalist. Or maybe I've just fallen in love with her motherly warmth and tenderness.Done with the dinner I head back to my room after a half glass of a vintage red wine from Napa, as I was told. Now the only problem is boredom. Sleeping in a new room can be a little tricky. Not for long after, however, Sam drops by once again."Any problem, ma'am? I'm busy chasing after my sleep you know?" I tease, pulling my pajamas from the suitcase."I see you've found yourself a new bestie, huh?" Sam grins, drawing herself i
Last Updated : 2022-04-24
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Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 73
Smiling faintly, I turn my back to hop into the taxi that's been waiting for ages. The driver is probably wondering why we're having a display of affection in the middle of the city, instead of wherever we came from.It's when Malik grabs my wrist suddenly, right before I grab the door handle.He steadfastly pulls me to his side, like he's forgotten something very important. I'm so startled as I land my hands on his chest, and find myself tightly against his body. He swallows nervously, his shiny eyes piercing into mine.I don't understand this attitude, until his lips land onto mine.I don't do a thing. I'm just too puzzled to react. He's kissing me, I know he is, but it's like I'm hypnotized with the shock or something. Everything ceases to exist, and I can't even feel my own heartbeat.What is this? What is Malik doing now? My two subs widen their eyes, utterly shocked.He suddenly frees me, and I look up at him
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 72
"What happened?" Malik eyes my suitcase with pure dismay."She knows," I sob, wiping my tears. "She's found out already."Malik says nothing. Slowly he pulls me into his arms and I easily dissolve in his embrace. My hiccups take the best of me like a child, my chin on his shoulder. I feellost and empty. I just cry . . . and he rubs my back gently, no word coming from his mouth. I still can’t believe the worst has happened."I'm sorry for this." I finally tug out and manage to smile while picking my bags, ready to face the aftermath; my scary unknown after ruining everything."It's okay," Malik tells me softly, smile forced and rueful. "You're still leaving?" He sounds indisposed."Yeah, I can't stay here anymore." I lift my eyes to meet his, a bittersweet laughter escaping my lips at this mess I'm in. "I don't want to be here, Malik. I don't have any right to be here." Tears fall down yet again, blurring my vision
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 71
"I can't believe this! So you're trying to excuse yourself by pretending that you had no choice?" Sam is gravely amused."No, I'm not making any excuses! The last thing I wanted in my life was hurting you, and you know that perfectly well.""No, I don't think I know." She shakes her head in denial. "And you've succeeded to hurt me, just so you know, Kira. And I'll never forgive you for this.""Sam," I breathe, "I'll understand if you decide to do so. But truly, I'm really sorry.""With that face of yours, everyone thinks you're a saint," Sam snarls with a fine deliberate to hurt me, which works perfectly. "The nice one." She twirls around me. "The good one . . . Always the loved one." Now she stops moving."Sam, that's not true." I wipe off the fallen drop."And of course I'm the bad one, right? So tell me, Kira, how did you seduce him?" she mockingly asks. "How were his kisses like?" she adds, and I swallow the anger t
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 70
"You're finally back," Sam utters casually, her eyes stone cold. Seeing my astonished face upon the sight of the diary, she lifts it up, smirking."Did you read my diary?" I manage to ask with much difficulty, as though a fishbone is stuck to my throat."Oh . . . tthis? I didn't mean to read it," she says coolly."What?" I scoff angrily. "That's my fucking diary!" My body trembles, fear and worries engulfing me wholly."I only wanted to return your charger, and by pure coincidence, your lovely diary dropped and flipped." She smiles, a very bitter smile, and I'm stuck to my feet. "Why, Kira? Why this?" she asks me in a soft voice while getting closer.I press my lips together to repress whatever that's about to burst in me. My worst nightmare is here. I'm not sure which one is scary, between my dreams at night or this foreign situation that I've brought upon myself.What should I say now? That I'm sorry? That I can expla
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 69
I return to where I parked the car. I can't say I've had my fill, but I've quite enjoyed this Ocean drive neighborhood. Well, eventually I realized where I am during my promenading. I even had a pleasure to relax and grab a big bite of cheeseburger so cheer myself.And I usually eat a lot when I'm stressed.I'm about to hop in the car when the incoming call on my cellphone stops me halfway. I slam the door sharply before rummaging inside my bag. I clutch my phone and a hard scowl appears on my face when I find it's a new number. I swipe the receiver hesitantly."Hello?" I croak."Where are you? We need to talk.” A male voice snaps quickly, causing a shiver throughout my skin.And I could recognize this voice even in my deep sleep.”Liam,” I breathe softly."It's good that you know my voice by heart," Liam remarks. "Where are you, Kira?" he practically snaps at me again."Liam, please, no
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 68
They tried talking to me, the girls, the boys, but none succeeded to open my mouth. The world had lost its colors in my eyes, but some brunette kid named Samantha didn't give up. She tried until I opened my mouth."It hurts," I utter, tears streaming down. "That's what I said." I lift my eyes at Sam. "Why are you reminding me?""Nothing," Sam says softly. "I just want to say that you're the person I love and trust the most in my life. I know you'd never hurt or betray me, because you're my bestfriend. I want to be that person to you too, Kira. I know I can be bitchy . . . but I never intend to hurt you. If I did, by any chance, please forgive me." She sits next to me, and my heart shatters.Guilt. Pain. Loss. I feel them all at once."No, you haven't done anything to apologize for," I breathe and I know I'm the one who should apologize to her.But I don't have the guts to."Did Jay do anything to offend y
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 67
"Are you deaf? I said let go of her.” Liam’s voice isn't harsh, but the threatening vibes it exudes is quite alarming."Easy there, bro." Jeremy releases me from his grip. "We're just talking,” he says and my eyes are on my wrist, faint finger marks accented on the skin."Don't call me bro, kid!" Liam snaps, his fists clenched as he glares at Jeremy with blazing eyes while pacing closer. "Are you okay, Kira?" He glances at me . . . at my wrist, too, and I nod like a little girl would.His jaw ticks. He pulls me to his side and I'm worried whether he has heard the rest of our conversation or not. I hope he hasn't. He then glares back at Jeremy, eyes dark."She told you to leave her alone, didn't she? Why were you forcing your hands on her?" He places himself between Jeremy and I, making me stay behind him. He’s tense.Jeremy roams around, like a tamed dog, holding his head and waist with either hand. I know he usually acts macho and a
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 66
Once again Malik restores back my sweetest smile. Only he can influence good even in bad times, and I'm so grateful for his being supportive: at least I've got someone to share this ordeal with. Jamal and Natasha join us shortly, and I believe I'm more relaxed with them than my previous companion."And my job here lads and ladies . . . is done!" Jamal announces cheerily, and from a distance I see the others enjoying the self-service."You're the best barbeque maker, I swear." I give compliment when due.I can't explain how tender and juicy this meat tastes inside my mouth."I know, right? My boo is the best." Natasha kisses him.Malik and I share a smile."I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, Kira," Jamal says, his voice calm and reverent."Oh you got that right." I thumb up. "And I seriously need the recipe for this vegetable noodles," I tell Natasha and she promises to give it to me anytime.
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 65
Liam is now out of sight and I’m only thinking of him. I wonder what he is doing right now. Malik, Jamal, and Natasha are still around the grill, chatting over something humorous judging from their laughter.I have been oblivious of whatever Sam and her friends are hilariously discussing about, and only drop a comment when necessary. Sickly enough, Jeremy has been eyeing me and it’s uncomfortable."This house is so damn terrific," Veronica utters, her eyes batting around like butterflies. "Who's the owner?" she inquires while her boyfriend stares around snobbishly.Sam gives them a clear picture of the owner by pointing out at Malik's direction. She tells them more than asked when Veronica swears to have seen Malik before. Discretion is never in my friend’s dictionary."And are you the one riding his dick?" Jeremy asks Sam, and the two ladies laugh as though it was something beautiful to say . . . or hear.So disgusting.
