Chapter 5: Chapter 5

"Isn't it too late for you to be here?" I asked after checking the clock on the wall, it read 08:23pm.

"Are you trying to kick me out, baby doll?" He asked with a smirk. I chuckled as I ran a hand through my hair.

"I'm not trying to kick you out. I mean ... Aren't your parents going to freak out that you're not home at this time of the night?"

"Nah, they're alright." He shrugged his shoulders like it was normal for your parents not to care if you were home early or not.

"What are you not telling me?" I narrowed my eyes at him.

"They're used to me going to parties and coming back late, but it's not my habit. I usually go to a friend's house but they think I party a lot."

"Why don't you correct them?" His parents thought that he was some party addicted teen and he didn't seem to care.

"It's better to let them think what they want to think." He stretched and relaxed back on the couch with his arms behind his head. His muscles strained against his sleeves, giving me a show.

"You didn't answer my question." I stated.

"What question?" He looked over at me as he asked.

"Why is Cassie so obsessed with you?"

He sighed then leaned over on the sofa with his elbows on his knees. "We had a one night stand, and now she thinks that we have something between us. But there's nothing, absolutely nothing between us."

"I tried telling her but it never gets through her head." He continued shaking his head.

I didn't know if I should act on my anger towards the fact that he has slept with other girls or hide it. If I showed my anger, he may think that I like him when I only just met him.

"She'll get the message someday when she sees you dating someone else." He stared at me like he was thinking it over.

"Yeah, she will eventually."

"So, how did you find out where I live?" I asked Jake since he had not told me how he found out.

"What is this? Question & Answer?" He asked playfully as he smiled slightly.

"No, I'm just curious." I raised both hands in surrender.

"Curious little Max, do you know the story on how curiosity killed the cat?" Smirking, he took my raised hands in his and set them down on my lap. I was facing him, cross legged on the couch and he was facing me, sitting normally.

I laughed at his playful attitude, "Yes, and?"

He chuckled, "And I live two blocks away from you, but across the street. I've noticed you coming here after school and walking out of this house in the mornings. I figured this is where you live."

"Well, that explains how."

"Do you think Kane is in L.A to take you back?" Jake asked, looking concerned.

I snorted. "Like I'm worth coming all the way to L.A for."

"What if it's the reason why he's here? What are you going to do?"

"I don't know." I whispered looking down. I didn't want to go back there when I had finally become free. I didn't want to be tortured and beaten all the time, but I wouldn't let that happen now. I was changed, and if Kane tried anything on me, I will never let him get away with it.

"I won't let him take you. I have to do something about it." Jake said as his eyes connected with mine.

"What are you going to do?" I said softly, still looking into his eyes. I couldn't look away. There was just something about his eyes that had you rooted and entranced. So beautiful, yet so dangerous looking.

"I'm going to teach you how to fight." Jake muttered firmly.

"What?" I asked, feeling so shocked.

"You have to learn to protect yourself." He stared intently into my eyes. He was right. I had to learn how I can stand up for myself if I wanted to stand up to Kane.

* * *

Max's POV

I woke up on my soft bed a little confused. I didn't remember coming up to my room, and certainly didn't remember Jake leaving. I was trying to remember what happened before I had fallen asleep when I noticed my phone on the night stand and picked it up.

I had a text from Jake, I didn't remember giving him my number. He probably took it while I was sleeping.

'Couldn't leave u like that on the couch, baby doll. You look beautiful even in your sleep. I'll pick u up at 4 to start your training.

- J's Max '

I felt my cheeks get warm when I saw the word beautiful but the blush couldn't be seen through my light brown skin. I stood from the bed and went to the bathroom to take a shower.

When I came out, I started getting dressed for the day in my dark jeans and dark grey tank top. I heard my phone beep as I was about to pick it up from the bed and go down the stairs.

'U awake baby doll?

- J's Max '

Read the text from Jake.

' Yes, and thanks 4 yesterday.

- Max '

Jake didn't reply again after that. I walked down the stairs to go to the kitchen. I had to find something to eat especially since I woke up late today. As I reached the last step on the stairs, I heard the door bell ring.

"Max." Jane greeted as I opened the door.

"Jane. How did you find out that I live here? Do you live in this neighborhood too?"

She shook her head with a smile, "No, Jake told us that you joined the gang, and I'm here to educate you on how it works. Also, He told me where you live, so that is how I found out."

I opened the door to let her in then made my way to the kitchen. I started taking out bread and other ingredients to make chicken sandwiches for breakfast.

"Okay, how does it work?" I gestured with my hand for her to continue.