Special thanks to current readers. I'm grateful.

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

He was known as the "hound of Hades."

A multi-headed dog who guarded the gates of the Underworld,

Preventing the dead from leaving,

And those who entered never left.

He's Cerberus

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

The sun was setting below the horizon as night approached. It painted the clouds with a golden hue, but I didn't have the urge to admire the scenery. Instead, I was figuring out what the hell happened to my body. It was an internal battle -- my breathing was ragged and my temperature had elevated.

I shifted uneasily in my seat and pulled my left sleeve closer to my wrist. It had an irritating itch that grew with every passing minute. And Being in a confined space with Liam certainly didn't help. I stole a glance at him.

His profile was sharp and definite as he nodded to a particular track. For once he looked more like his age; like a normal teenager.

"I can hear your breathing from here. What's wrong?" He caught my gaze before looking back on the road.

"Don't worry about it. It's been happening lately."

Especially around you. But I'm yet to find out why.

It's the main part of my agreement; to get answers from him.

"Do you have parents?" I asked.

He wore a crimson red T-shirt that clung to his body and I noticed how his biceps strained against the material as he gripped the steering wheel. He had worn his black fingerless combat gloves. Each having printed icons of a bow and arrow.

Liam smiled. "Why? You think I'm some truant kid who cut off family ties?"

"It's not that." I defended.

"I'll answer all your questions when we arrive."

I raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that?"

He smiled but never replied.

"At least tell me where we're going?"

He shifted the car gear. "No need. We're already here."

I stared out the window and gasped. The building was huge, stretching as tall as any skyscraper. Large neon lights flashed at the very top, illuminating the name of the company.

"Welcome to Star-Crossed Inc." Liam grinned, as he parked his car. He unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out.

My jaw went slack when I noticed the other buildings. A club stood at one end, followed by a gym, then a casino, restaurant, hotel, and many more. There were snacks and coffee shops situated at vantage points. And they all had the company's name. It was like many things situated in one place. Everything looked beautiful under the night sky. It was paradise.

My door opened and Liam stood on the other side. "Amazed huh? You've only seen the front view."

I got out, shutting the door behind me. "This place is awesome."

Liam gave a low laugh. "Told you you'll regret it. Refusing to come that is."

"Aww. The little bad boy can't handle rejection." I mused.

Liam smiled and leaned close, his forehead barely touching mine. "It's 'big bad boy' to you. And If I was rejected, it wouldn't be my loss but yours."

My cheeks grew warm. The thought that caused that reaction, I had no idea. "Just to make my point clear, this not a date."

Liam quirked one side of his lips. "Definitely." He pocketed his hands in his dark jeans. "Let's get you some smoothie."

He walked across the parking lot, not even bothering if I followed. I looked around the place before trailing behind him. People in skimpy and rich clothes walked by with happy smiles. Most of them were couples.

Was that why it's called 'Star-crossed'? Did couples come here to escape criticism?

We walked by a huge fountain before arriving at one shop. Exotic plants decorated its entrance and the words: 'Star-crossed smoothie Parlor' were painted on the laminated glass. We walked through the revolving doors.

A woman greeted us with a clipboard, "Welcome to Star-crossed smoothie Parlor. Hello Mr. Rogers."

She had a tight top with buttons that strained against her chest. Her red skirt was pretty short.

"I told you to call me Liam, hun." His eyes seemed to glow brighter as he watched her.

The lady gave a sweet smile. "Would you like to sit at your usual?"

"Please." His arms went around my shoulders before pulling me close.

That's when the Lady noticed me. "Welcome, darling." Her smile was sincere.

I smiled back. "Thanks."

"This way please." She led us to another part of the shop. Her heels clicked across the marble floor.

We weren't the only ones here. Couples laughed and cheered as they sipped their smoothies. It created a lively atmosphere and I liked it. We walked through a glittering curtain and into another room.

Smooth music played in the background and the seats here were more private. Each section was surrounded by decorated walls. The lady led us to one booth and Liam plopped down on the white curved sofa. I shifted to his side.

"What is your order please?"

"I'll take a Razzle Dazzle." Liam leaned back and stretched his arms behind the furniture.

What the heck is that?

The woman turned to me.

"Um...what do you got?" I asked sheepishly.

She flipped her clipboard and gave it to me. I watched the menu. Razzle Dazzle was mainly made from raspberry. Typical.

Why is he so obsessed with red?

I scanned through and noticed one made from Pineapples. "I'll take the Pina Colada."

She smiled, took her clipboard, and walked away. I glanced around. The place was illuminated with a purple glow that went precisely with the music.

It was soothing.

"Enjoying the place, Gem?"

I turned to find him watching me with a heart-racing grin. The place suddenly grew warm and I tried to contain a shiver. My body was over-working again.

I pulled one strand of hair behind my ear. "Are you a regular customer?"

He shrugged. "More like a face they can't forget."

That wasn't a straight answer. He's hiding something.

I shifted a bit. "Okay. Back to business."

He smiled. "Such a buzz-kill."

I ignored him. "I want to know about Henry, but first, there are some questions you need to answer."

"So are you bad cop or good cop?"

I rolled my eyes. "Neither. You need to answer the questions correctly--"

"This isn't an interrogation sweetheart."

I frowned.

"How about we play it like this." His glistening eyes focused on me as he leaned forward on the table. "I'll answer three questions if you answer three of mine. Any other questions to me will require a dare in exchange."

"That ain't fair."

"And I agreed to disclose Henry's information while helping you and your boyfriends. Life ain't fair."

I groaned, placing my forehead touched the table. So much for the main plan. He's impossible!

He pulled my hair behind one ear and I jerked at the sudden contact. It was more like a zap that coursed straight through my body.

"Easy there." He leaned away with the ever-present grin. "So what do you say?"

I tried calming my erratic heart. "Fine."

He leaned towards me. "So what's your first question?"

I had a lot. But I remember the nightmare I had last night.

"Can you explain this?" I pulled my right sleeve and presented it to him.

His eyes widened at the scorched mark on my inner wrist. It was a weird symbol; something that occurred after my weird dream last night. And it was the same mark that tingled every time I'm close to Liam.

I turned back to him and was stunned by his expression. I never expected his reaction.

It was filled with horror.

So what do you think that weird mark is?

Don't forget to vote and comment.