This is quite a long one so get ready! 

I woke up to a deadly silent penthouse and in a room I didn't recognise.

I sat up as everything that happened last night came rushing back. A horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach made me question my choice of letting him in. Did I over share? I felt guilty, remembering his face when I told him about how my Dad had treated me. Jace doesn't need to or deserve to carry the burden of my own problems and that's what happened when I told him, right?

I deeply sighed at the internal fight inside me. I shouldn't had let him carry my problems but at the same time, I trusted him enough to tell him so why shouldn't I?

I got out of bed and tried to shake the feeling. I needed to be more open with people. For my sake and theirs. It is a bad habit of mine that I had learnt from an early age, to internalise my problems, and I need to stop.

I spun around, taking in the room I spent the night in. It had the same simple colour scheme of mostly blacks, grey, white and blues as the rest of the penthouse but there was something slightly different about this room in particular. On top of the cabinet I saw something glimmer once I turned the light on. I walked over to it and did some snooping as I was alone.

A few different types of earrings, a perfume bottle and rings laid on the surface of the white cabinet, clearly all female items.

I don't think he had ever mentioned a girlfriend before. No, he hasn't. I would have remembered that.

I continued to open one of the drawers, my curiosity and nosiness being sparked by the jewellery I discovered. Sure enough, there were girls' clothes neatly folded in the drawer. There must be a woman staying here with him. Why else would he keep female clothes?

Feeling like I had overstepped my mark, I managed to make my way into a bathroom. I remembered how to get there from brief the tour Jace gave me yesterday.

I made my way towards the sink in the huge bathroom. Clothes, a toothbrush and a hairbrush were carefully placed next to the fancy tap and I immediately felt grateful. I quickly got changed into the classy work clothes Jace had provided me with and inspected the hairbrush. It was clearly not for my hair; I would have broken it just trying to brush it through once. So, I tied my hair up in a tight bun, thanking myself for always carrying a spare hair tie on my wrist at all times.

My mind wondered off to last night again as I stood there brushing my teeth.

It is almost scary how much I already trust Jace. Last night I just fell asleep in his presence without even thinking about it. I am never usually that. Not necessarily careless, but comfortable around a guy. I have been taught to always be on high alert while around guys, to never let your guard completely down but yet, that is exactly what I am doing with Jace.

How long till Jace knows enough about me to use it against me? I don't want our relationship to be like that. I feel like I want... more.

Feeling uneasy and confused by what I just confessed to myself, I went into the kitchen and distracted me from my thoughts with food.

I had walked into the kitchen when the first thing I noticed was a smartly written out note pinned to the fridge. I walked over to it and carefully moved the magnet that had stopped it from sliding off the fridge, being careful not to rip it.

Sorry I had to leave this morning. I wish I could have been there, but something came up. Anyway, there is bread in the fridge and the toaster is in the second cupboard to the left of the oven. I hope the clothes I got for you are okay. -Jace.

I followed his instructions and sure enough, there sat a toaster.

I dragged the toaster out of the cupboard and gently placed it on counter. I felt bad for helping myself to the food in his fridge whilst he wasn't here, but I did it anyway.

I opened the fridge and was presented with a lot of food. His fridge was stacked with mainly healthy stuff; it took me a while to find where he keeps the bread. I took the bag of bread out of the fridge and was closing the door when something caught my eye. I opened the half-closed door and was faced with something I wouldn't have expected.

The jam he used when he made me breakfast the other day was on the highest shelf on the right door. He remembered. Or he just likes the same as me but the fact it was unopened led me to think that was not the case.

I was spreading the jam on my toast when I looked at the time for the first time today. I needed to give myself more time for traffic. So, if I wanted to not piss off my boss and be on time, I needed to leave. Right now.

Throwing my toast on a plate, I hastily located and grabbed my bag, phone and car keys and rushed out of the front door.

I pushed the button on the elevator and was surprised when someone followed me in.

I stood in the elevator and move my bag to the opposite side the guy was standing next to me. I shuffled to my left, feeling uncomfortable with the presence of this guy. Something about him was off putting.

I pressed the button that takes you to the car park. I didn't bother asking the guy where he wanted to go as something was telling me to keep my distance.

The guy about the same height as me with midnight black hair and troublesome eyes faced me, I froze.

"So, you came out of Jace's apartment then?" His deep voice asked, sending a shiver down my spine but not in a good way. I stood back, keeping my eyes trained on the door, willing them to open as soon as possible.

"Mm hm," I hummed in response.

"That really is interesting," he chuckled. My curiosity was sparked at that remark. Did this guy know Jace?

"Why is that then?" I questioned, still refusing to look in his direction.

"What's your name, gorgeous?" I shuddered at the creepiness at which he said that. Why would I tell him that?

"Mia," I lied. I had to think quick as I didn't want to give him my real name and it was the best I could come up with. "What's yours?"

"Christian. My friends call me Chris. So that's your real name then? Mia." He quietly laughed to himself, "What a coincidence." I saw him watching me intensely. What was that supposed to mean?

"What is a coincidence?" I asked now facing him.

He began laughing even harder, "He hasn't told you?"

"Told me what?" I was getting frustrated with this Christian guy and showed him that through my glare.

"Hmm. I am not really sure. That depends, you see."

He took a step towards me, but I didn't move. I stood my ground. A smirk crossed his face as he took another step forward.

"On what exactly?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

"What's in it for me?" Christian whispered, an evil smile showcasing itself on his face afterwards.

I felt disgusted that people act this way and think they are going to get their way. People like him are a perfect example of what is wrong with society. I refrain from going on night walks by myself just in case I happen to bump into and get harassed by a prick like him. I'm not going to let it control my life anymore.

"What know what? I'll give you what you deserve," I say in the most innocent voice I could manage and winked at him.

I drew my leg back, making sure his eyes stayed on mine, and kneed him in the balls with as much force as I could.

"You bitch!" He exclaimed, bent over on his knees in pain. I walked towards him and crouched down in front of him.

"I'm sorry, did that hurt you? Well, that makes up for all the other girls you have probably harassed. I really hope I never have to see you again, the sight of you makes me want to violently throw up," I heard the doors of the elevator open, showing the car park.

"Well, this is my stop," I said standing up from my previously crouched position. "I wish I could say it was nice meeting you, but then I would be lying."

I exited the lift and sighed, feeling relieved that I was out of that confining space with that guy.

I hopped into my car and turned on my phone for the first time today. I needed to use the navigation app as I didn't know the area well enough. My phone instantly pinged with numerous notifications, mainly from Syd and Calla but one in particular caught my eye.

It was from Jace.

I sent a quick text to the group chat with me, Lucas, Sydney and Calla in and opened the navigation app. I'll read the message from Jace later.

It was my lunch break before I had a proper chance to check my messages from this morning. The first one I opened was from Jace.

Let me know once you're back home from work. Get changed into something comfy, I want to show you something ;)

What is it with this guy and mystery? He is like one massive maze but yet I find myself wanting to know every single secret. I cannot hide the fact that I felt myself getting excited by the text. I sat back down at my desk feeling eager for work to finish.

-

I walked through the door and was startled by the quiet commotion in the house. Surprised by the hushed shouting that was heard from upstairs, I silently closed the front door and stood at the bottom of the stairs attempting to listen in on the heated conversation.

"You're so fucking complicated!"

"Complicated!? I am the complicated one? Says the one who, most of the time, I don't know where I stand with. Are we friends? Are we in a relationship? Is this just fun or are we friends with benefits? I don't fucking know, Lucas! I can't work you out!"

"You know what, Sydney, just tell me what you want. What do you actually want from me?"

"Maybe if I wasn't so fucking complicated then I would know, wouldn't I?"

"I'm just going to leave now. This is getting us nowhere. I really don't want to leave you, Sydney, I really don't but I can't take it anymore."

"Go then. Leave!"

"I'll see you later Syd."

I winced at what I had just overheard when I heard footsteps getting closer and closer to me. I had to make it look like I hadn't just been eavesdropping on Sydney and Lucas' conversation. I scuttled into the kitchen and leant on the counter, trying to look as natural as possible.

Lucas walked down the stairs with a face of thunder and was going to walk straight past me.

"Woah, woah, woah." I jumped in front of him. His hard eyes glared at me before his eyes calmed at the recognition of my face.

"Hey, Ivy," he greeted me sounding disheartened.

"What's going on? Why do you look like that?" I questioned pretending I didn't just hear most of everything anyway.

"Look like what?"

"Like something just died."

"Maybe it did..." He quietly said to himself.

"Huh?"

"Nothing. I just need some fresh air. I'll see you another day." With that he stormed out the door, but my mind was fixated on his previous statement. Maybe it did? What is that supposed to mean?

I crept up the stairs and hung around outside Sydney's door and just listened before entering. I could hear her sobbing. Something happened between those two and I reckon it's worse than it looks. I knocked lightly on the door and slowly slid the door open.

"Hey, Syd. You okay?" She was sitting on her bed, her knees up to her chest and she was frantically wiping the tears off her face with the heels of her hands.

"Ivy! I didn't hear you come in. How was work?" The pain she was feeling was thick through her voice, even when she tried her hardest to cover it up.

"No. You're not doing that."

"Doing what?" Syd questioned taken back by my change in tone.

"Turning the conversation onto me. Something happened between you and Lucas that has obviously hurt you." She groaned and laid down on her back.

"We really don't have to talk about me."

"Yes, we do. So, what happened. Tell me everything."

"Ugh okay. Lucas came over to clear the air about something but we both got annoyed and started arguing."

"This something that you're talking about, it's you and Lucas, isn't it?" She looked at me, her eyebrows furrowed as she was confused. "You and Lucas were sleeping together, weren't you?"

She sat up and fully faced me. "You're not mad?" Syd questioned and at that moment, it reminded me of when she was younger.

"Of course not! What have I got to get mad about?"

"The fact that we didn't tell you."

"I knew it would all come out when it was necessary."

"Okay... I'm just confused, Ivy. He says he wants something more than just sex but then shy's away whenever I suggest or act on it."

"What do you want?"

"I want to be in a relationship with him. Not all this complicated shit, real relationship."

"Have you told him that?"

"No," she said guiltily, looking down at the sheet, fiddling with them between her fingers.

"Well, you're telling the wrong person then, aren't you?"

"I suppose so." She paused briefly. "Thank you, Ivy. You always have my back, don't you?" She stood up and embraced me in a heart-felt hug.

"Always," I whispered back.

"So, now that's out of the way, what are we going to do? Calla is out of town till tomorrow, so we have the whole house to ourselves," Syd asked, releasing me from the hug and sounding more upbeat.

"Girls night? I was supposed to meet with Jace, he said he wants to show me something but that can wait. I'll just message him now and say we'll do it another day."

I pulled out my phone and went on Jace's contact when my phone was snatched out of my hand. Sydney read the message and immediately typed something back.

"The fuck you are," she said after handing me my phone back and dragging me into her closet.

Syd was rummaging around her closet, pulling things out of all directions, and holding items of clothing up against me.

"Syd, what are you doing?"

"You're going on this date and you're going to enjoy yourself and not think about me at all," she explained, shooting me a smile at the end.

"Date?! This is not a date." Why would she think it's a date? He literally said that he wants to show me something. That is it.

"And I'm Ariana Grande," she sarcastically added.

"Whatever."

Syd held out a two-piece skirt and bandeau outfit, "No. I am not wearing that. It is way too cold for that shit. What I was going to wear before you got ahead of yourself was some black cycling shorts with my large beige coloured, vintage jumper."

She stood in front of me, picturing the outfit in her head, "That's okay, I guess. If you want to wear it then you can."

"Thank you for allowing me to wear what I want, mother." I bowed down to her but when I stood up to face her, I was met with an unimpressed look. "What?"

"Nothing. Go get dressed! He is going to be here any minute!" She forcefully pushed me out of her door and slammed it shut behind her.

I had just taken my top off when I heard the door knock. I stood still, listening and sure enough, it was Jace.

Shit! He was already here.

I threw my clothes on, took my phone off charge and took a quick glance in the mirror. I lightly applied my favourite clear cherry lip gloss to my lips and attempted to tame my crazy looking hair while looking in the bathroom mirror. I flattened down my clothes and proceeded to run down the stairs.

I was rushing to get myself downstairs, so that Sydney didn't tell him anything embarrassing, my right foot got caught on the last step. Once again, Jace caught me in his arms.

"Sorry."

"I'm starting to think that you're falling for me, sweetheart," he whispered in my ear so Syd couldn't hear.

I cleared my throat once I was sturdily back on my feet. I slid on my trainers and heard Syd and Jace talking.

"She's always tripping over or bumping into people. I swear it's a problem," Syd explained to Jace.

"Don't I know it."

I walked into the hallway to see a smirk on Sydney's face, her eyes on me and Jace stood watching my every move. I smiled at Jace and turned my gaze to Sydney. I frowned at her and shook my head slightly, telling her to get whatever she had made up in her head, out.

"You ready then?" Jace asked.

"Yup. Are you going to tell me where we are going?" I looked up at him, pleading with him by my eyes. He shook his head lightly while smiling, looking down at our feet.

"No. Now come on." He grabbed my hand, intertwining our fingers and I shuddered just at the touch. I looked up in his eyes as he looked in mine. I found myself gawking at him and snapped myself out of it.

"Guys!" Syd shouted at the top of her voice, trying to get our attention.

"Geez Syd! What?! We're literally right here so there's no need to shout." She raised her eyebrows at me in a 'I know and that's not why I did it' way and I just rolled my eyes.

"You two lovebirds need to leave now!" I shot her a stern glare. I saw her eyes move to Jace's and I's locked hands and stay there for a few seconds before looking back up at me and shrugging. I knew exactly what she was getting at.

"Text me what time you're going to be home and also let me know if you stay somewhere else, okay?"

"Yes Mum," I retorted sarcastically, as I felt Jace's body behind me begin moving. He was laughing. Not the right time.

"Now out! Go! I don't want you here anymore," Sydney pushed us both out the door and slammed the door shut for the second time today. Charming.

"You ready to go?" Jace asked while pulling me towards his vehicle.

I was just about to reply when I realised what we were going to be driving on tonight.

"You brought your motorbike?!"