Family. (Wattpad Version)

Chapter Nine.

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It was a beautiful night out. The moon beamed beautifully from the sky, its reflection rippling in the dark waters. It took up all the attention causing the stars to dim in comparison.

I'm standing near the railing at the stern of the cruise ship we were on.

"Reece?" His voice called sounding alittle apprehensive yet I almost shivered at the roll of my name on his tongue. I love it.

"Love?" He called again his hand snaking round my back at the waist causing me to turn and look at him, his face full of concern. He knew.

"Yes. Athena came a found me when you took off from Odessa." He said as though I'd spoken out loud though I'm pretty sure I didn't.

"It's fine." I said giving him a small smile.

"Are you sure? I thought you'd taken off."

"We'll you owe me dinner which means I get the whole package that includes you taking me home. I plan on cashing all out." I said with a smile and I visibly see him relax.

"Odessa and I were together years ago. I....."

"You don't have to explain anything to me, Alec." I said placing my hands on his chest.

"Let me love. I want to." He said, taking my hand on his chest in his giving it a light squeeze as he gazes down into my eyes. I go mum.

He then looked out into the distance and I joined him, giving him time to gather his thoughts.

"I was young and stupid back then. Led purely by a hormonal teenager's mind. Later we just did it to keep each other company. She's shallow and vain. Born into money but still digging for more. I put a stop to whatever we had a long time ago. She just can't take a hint."

We stood in silence, letting his confession linger in the air.

He then turned to me, "What did she say to you?"

"It doesn't matter. I'm sure she's just jealous that I'm the one on your arm and not her." I reassured as I gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

"Can I let you in on a secret?"

"Sure."

"I think every man here is jealous of me too. Because of the beauty I have on my arm." He whispered in my ear, his voice suddenly low and husky. I had to look away as my cheeks heated up.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I couldn't concentrate. Not on what was before me.

How could I when all I could think about was him. How could I when all I could think about was his kiss.

Get a grip Reece, it was hardly a kiss!

We'd enjoyed the rest of the night together and as he took me home, he'd accompanied me to my apartment door, a look of content on his face.

After I'd assured him of my forgiveness, he'd drawn closer. His hand slipped round my waist, leaning in he'd placed a lingering kiss at the corner of my lips. I swear I felt him smirk before it disappeared as he pulled away. He knew how affected I was by his touch.

"Goodnight love." He'd said before he turned and headed for the elevator.

"Reece?"

I turned to a concerned Justin.

"Sorry. What were you saying?"

"I was asking if you'd like to grab lunch now that the meeting is over?"

"Oh..... uh..... sure. why not? I'll just go grab my bag and meet you here." I said and without giving him a chance to reply I was out the door, heading directly for my office.

I slammed my door behind me letting my head fall back on it, eyes closed as I leaned against it.

A rush of breath left my lungs and I almost felt defleted. Till a voice startled my eyes open.

" 'Reece Hale spotted last Friday on Alec Platon's arm at the Foreign Companies Biannual Charity Gala recently held at a cornered off part of the New York Harbour.' I have to admit you two look really cosy together." Riley read from the newspaper in hand and I moved farther into the room.

She shot a satisfied smile right past me.

"I'd say, much more than cosy." She added as she moved past me and towards the door where a crest fallen Justin stood and slapped the paper to his chest.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We were seated at a nearby restaurant, clearly ignoring the elephant in the room. My sister sure had a way of making things awkward.

"So....."I began, "how's your mom? I haven't seen her in ages."

"She's good. Still worries herself sick cause of dad and I." Justin replied before reaching for my hand, his gaze fixated on mine. " She'd love to see you."

"I'll be home soon, hopefully I'll see her then. Does she still make those awesome Brownies?"

"Yes. She says they remind her of you and how you loved them. How I'd insist on carrying extra for the Hale twins."

"Always such a sweet..... "

That's as far as I got before I spotted him. Seated at a distance with dark stormy eyes. His gaze moved to where Justin was holding my hand and his jaw clenched. I gulped.

He looked away checking his watch. His chair scraped back as he stood up and headed towards us. Justin was still talking about God knows what while I was stiff as a corpse.

"Reece! Fancy meeting you here!" Alec called in too cherry a voice from which I could detect a darkness.

"Alec!" I squeaked. "What are you doing here?"

"Why lunch of course! But I seem to have been stood up." He said as he checked his watch once again. "I hope you don't mind if I join you?"

"Uum...." I began but he'd already slipped into the seat facing Justin.

"Oh where are my manners! I'm Alec Platon, CEO of the...... "

"The Greek Platon franchise it's an honor to meet you sir." Justin blurted out eagerly. "Please please do join us. Champagne?"

Justin waved over a waiter as a hand slipped over my thigh and a smirk on Alec's face.

This would be a long lunch.

I know I know it's been a while. I'm here now and I'll do you one better. Another update is up too. Thank you. Love you guys