“Clark, Val, Ollie, I missed you all!”

Oleg pushed the girl away from him but she kept her arms around her.

“I missed you, Oleg!”

I was stunned to see how much the girl was trying hard to kiss Oleg who was pushing her away.

“Motherfu --, do something, Val!” he complained.

Valery patted the girl’s head, smiling at her.

“Behave, Diana,” she reprimanded.

So she was Diana. What’s she doing here?

Isaac stopped beside me, his hands inside his jean pockets. He was wearing a summer outfit and it’s refreshing to see him out of his uniform.

“Hey,” he said to me.

I waved a hand at him and said, “hello…? What’re you doing here? Why are you here and when did you get here?”

Isaac pulled a chair, setting it beside me before sitting down.

“Because the boss says so,” he vaguely answered.

I blinked at him, confused.

“Boss? Who’s boss?”

Clark cleared his throat when I looked at him for answers.

“What’s he doing here?” I asked him.

“I need my men to protect your ass,” he replied.

“But what’s your sister doing here?”

Clark shrugged his shoulders.

“Because she wants to see Oleg?”

I made a face, watching Diana give smooches to Oleg. It was evident that he wasn’t comfortable with Diana’s antics. Valery was just watching the two of them with an amused face.

“Hey, Diana,” Clark called, getting his sister’s attention.

“Yes?”

“You’re not with them, aren’t you?” he carefully asked.

I could feel the strain in his voice.

Diana grinned at him.

“Nope. They’re busy.”

She finally left Oleg, sitting on the vacant chair beside Valery. When Diana finally calmed down, she eyed me and I got intimidated all of a sudden.

“Hi,” I said, greeting her first, “I’m Drew Orlov.”

She smiled.

“Hello! I’m Diana Roman, Clark’s sister.”

I sighed in relief. In spite of her vivacious personality, I was thinking she was kind of mean because she gives a somehow intimidating aura but thank god she’s nice.

“You’re the guy Clark’s protecting, right?” Diana asked.

I nodded.

“Yes.”

She smirked at me and said, “be careful. That guy’s a -- ”

“Hey.”

Diana stopped, her eyes moving to Clark. He’s glaring at her and she just raised her arms in surrender.

“It’s been a while since we last saw each other, big bro. We really missed you, you know. You broke dad’s heart when you decided to go to Russia.”

Valery giggled.

“That’s funny. You’re all from Russia,” she commented.

Diana pouted.

“Hey, our dad’s from New York.”

“Originally, that is.”

Oleg finally spoke and he was annoyed.

“Can we order food now, I’m starving!”

--

We ate dinner, with Diana and Isaac joining us. Like always, Isaac was quiet, only speaking when someone’s asking him question. As for Diana, she was energetic, bouncing from her chair whenever she was talking. I could feel Oleg was close to exploding in irritation but he managed to keep it together. It’s probably hard for him because he already had a girlfriend and having another girl flirting with you must be awkward.

They were all talking about family stuff and I couldn’t relate to it. Clark wasn’t participating much in the conversation, just staring outside the window while eating.

As for me, I was quiet like Isaac. I couldn’t join them because I don’t know anything about their family. Although I wanted to talk to Diana because she’s Clark sister and she was interesting as well, I wanted to know more about her.

We finished eating. Alyona told us that we have more time to look around town before going back to the ship at midnight to continue the cruise. Valery suggested to go to a bar to drink and everyone agreed except for me.

I was weak to alcohol and knowing what happened last time I drink, I refused their offer to go to the bar. Nevertheless, they still went, leaving me.

I watched them enter the bar. The music could be heard outside and even though it was already night, everything was bright. People were partying and I kind of envied them because they could enjoy their booze.

“Hey,” Isaac called out and I saw him walking away from the group.

“You’re not gonna drink with them?”

“Someone needs to look out for you.”

I was glad that Isaac’s with me but sad too because he couldn’t enjoy himself.

“You can go,” I said weakly. “I’m just gonna go back to the ship to sleep.”

“That’s not possible,” he answered. “Boss will kill me if I leave you alone.”

We walked back to the ship while talking.

“Why do you call Clark boss?”

Isaac shrugged.

“It’s kind of a habit.”

“A habit?”

“Yeah.”

“I see. Is he like your supervisor?”

“Something like that.”

I nodded.

“Okay.”

I was bothered with Isaac getting left out.

“You know you can really leave me. I’m just gonna sleep anyway,” I said, convincing him to leave me so that he could enjoy himself with the others.

Isaac shook his head.

“After what happened to you, I don’t think I can leave you alone.”

I confounded with what he said.

“Huh?”

He closed the gap between us and it was as if he’s going to kiss me.

“I can’t take my eyes off of you, Drew,” Isaac said, holding my arm and pulling me even closer to him.

I gulped, feeling his breath on me. He smelled really nice and for some reason, I felt my face warmed.

“B-because…you’re my bodyguard, right?!” I said, getting out from Isaac’s grasp.

He smirked at me.

“Figure that out yourself.”

--

I arrived back at my cabin room. While walking back here, I’ve been thinking about what Isaac said.

“I can’t take my eyes off of you, Drew,” Isaac said, holding my arm and pulling me even closer to him.

I know I shouldn’t put a lot of thought about it. I mean, he’s probably just saying it because he’s my bodyguard.

I smiled, convincing myself that it wasn’t a big deal. Scampering to my bed, I took my shoes off, threw it on the floor and lied back on the bed to sleep.

I really did want to party with Clark and the others but it would only end up in disaster if I drink alcohol.

It’s true that I could stay without drink but what’s the fun in that?

I’m sure everyone’s having fun, even without me.

I pulled the covers over me and tried hard not to cry about it.

Why am I so pathetic?

I hate myself.

--

I woke up to a feeling of someone’s arm on me. My eyes adjusted to the bright sunshine, realizing that Clark was sleeping beside me, naked.

Naked.

I repeat, naked.

Clark was naked, sleeping beside me, an arm on my chest while sleeping.

I was about to panic and wake him up but after seeing him sleeping peacefully, as if it’s the only sleep he could get in a week, I stayed still.

I brushed the hair on his forehead, smiling as he purred upon my touch.

I bet he had a good time yesterday with his friends and sister.

I’m so jealous. I wanted to come with him too.

Scowling, I retreated my hand away from Clark. It wouldn’t be good if he knew that I’m attracted to him. I silently got off of the bed, careful not to wake him up. But before I could go, a hand suddenly grabbed mine, stopping me from getting up.

I looked back and saw Clark stirring awake. His eyelids fluttered open, looking at me with half-asleep gaze.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

Hearing that deep and raspy voice, I blushed. It sounded so sexy!

“U-uh…to the bathroom,” I replied.

Clark let go of my hand. He got up and yawned.

I stood up, brushing my hair so that I could at least look decent in front of Clark.

“How was last night?” I asked.

Clark rolled his eyes and answered, “not good.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Diana’s a fucking mess when she drinks. Isaac took care of her after she passed out.”

I thought for a moment.

“Are they staying in the ship too?”

Clark got up and I quickly snapped my head away from him when I saw him only wearing his boxers.

“No, they’re in a hotel in the island. They’re gonna go back to the city tomorrow,” he answered.

“Oh, so they’re not with us,” I said, a little bit disappointed.

I was kind of hoping to talk to Diana. She looked like she’s fun to have conversations with.

--

We got dressed and went to the dining hall to eat breakfast. My camera was in my hands since I was hoping to take more pictures before going back home.

Clark looked irritated and it’s probably because he only got little sleep.

Valery greeted Clark and I the moment she saw us. Waving a hand, she beckoned us to their table, where Oleg and Alyona were sitting with her.

The siblings both have dark bags under their eyes. Oleg looked like he wanted to sleep and Valery, as always, was energetic.

“Good morning!” she greeted.

I sat beside her and smiled.

“Good morning,” I greeted back.

“It sucks that we’re going back today,” Alyona commented, pouting. “Oh, by the way! You need to give me the best picture you got, okay?” she reminded. Eyeing me, she added, “that goes for you too, Drew.”

I was surprised.

“But I’m not a part of the Photography club,” I retorted.

Valery brushed me off and said, “you’ve been taking a lot of pictures too, right? It will be a waste if you don’t submit it for the contest.”

I grinned, nodding my head at her.

“Okay, thanks!”

To be honest, I wanted to join the contest too but because I’m not a part of the Photography club, I couldn’t. I’m lucky that Alyona’s nice even if she knew about the gay issue about me, she remained a friend.

Alyona grinned.

“No problem.”

We began eating and everyone was silent. I focused myself in the food while constantly checking the photos I have in my camera. I was already thinking what photo to submit.

While browsing, I saw the picture I took of Clark in the cave. It wasn’t anything special, for some people but for me, it’s a proof that I’m with the person I liked.

Even if he doesn’t see me that way…

But wait, why did he sleep beside me last night?

I looked at Clark to ask him my question but seeing that irritated face while eating, I decided not to.

I turned my camera off.

I didn’t wanna go back home.

--

Since Isaac’s not back yet, another man from Clark’s group picked us up, driving us back to the house. The ride back home was exhausting. Even if it was just a short trip from the docks, I was still tired. Maybe because of the trip and all but I just feel sleepy all the way back home.

“Is my dad still in Italy…?” I asked Clark who was sitting beside me on the back seat of the car.

“Yeah. The meeting with Hiro’s taking a while, he’s probably being stubborn, as usual,” Clark said.

I blinked at him.

“Hiro?”

“The leader of the Italians.”

“Oh. You know him?”

Clark looked out of the window, never answering my question. That left me pondering if Clark was connected with any other Mafia groups in the world.

“So you’re going to enter the contest?”

I glanced back at Clark, nodding.

“Yeah. It’s a waste if I don’t.”

He snorted.

“The next leader of the Orlov group, instead of becoming one is much interested in photography,” Clark mocked.

I puffed my cheeks in irritation.

“I don’t want to become the leader,” I said.

Clark looked back at me and I got the chills, seeing those cold eyes staring down at me,

“You will be the next leader whether you want it or not.”

“I told you, I don’t want to.”

His eyes narrowed and I backed away from fear. Nevertheless, I held my gaze with him, staring back at those blue eyes.

“Then what do you want to be?”

“I wanna be a photographer,” I answered, my voice strained, “but,” my shoulders dropped and I sighed, “I have no choice but to accept the position.”

Clark looked surprised from what I said.

“In this kind of world, it’s either you die or you hide away for the rest of the life to get out of the Mafia,” I mumbled, “and I’m scared of entering that world…because I know a lot of bad things will happen and I don’t want that,” I finished.

I looked down my hands and it was trembling. I’ve seen a glimpse of what world my family belonged to and it scarred me.

“I don’t think…I can ever do those kind of things my dad do.”

Clark smirked.

“You’re reminding me of someone I know.”

I blinked at him.

“What?”

Clark leaned back on the seat and crossed his arms and legs.

“Your dad gave me the task of training you how to become like him,” Clark informed. “You don’t have to be scared, boss,” he said, smirking at me, “as long as you got me behind you, you’ll be the strongest heir.”

I gulped.

“R-really?”

“Just do what I tell you to do.”

--

Two days have passed since the cruise happened. Dad didn’t know what happened and I’m thankful that Isaac and Clark kept silence about my little escapade behind his back. It was Thursday morning when Alyona approached me to talk about the photography contest.

“So the winner of ViewFrame contest will be flying to New York for the exhibit. Of course, there’s also money involved and the photo will be featured in ViewFrame’s magazines,” Alyona explained while handing me the flyer.

“Thanks,” I said. “I know I’m not a part of the photography club but thanks for inviting me to the contest.”

Alyona winked at me.

“I know if someone has an eye for photography and clearly, you have one,” she said.

I flushed, feeling a little proud about myself.

“Once the seniors graduated, you can join the club,” Alyona said. “There will be new spots for students to enter it. You’re friends with Val and Oleg, they can secure a spot for you.”

Remembering what Clark told me, I gave her a sad smile.

“Yeah, that will be awesome.”

The school bell rang, signaling everyone that lunch was over and it’s time to go back to the classrooms. Alyona and I bid good bye to each other and I hurried back to my room to attend my next class.

The teacher entered the room and began teaching. Clark was no where to be find which was weird. Maybe he had some business to attend to.

Meanwhile, I busied myself thinking about the contest. I wonder what photo to submit.

--

Afternoon classes was finished and it was finally time to go home. I was expecting Isaac to be waiting for me but instead of him, it was Clark who accompanied me back to the house.

“Hey,” I awkwardly greeted when we saw each other outside the school building. “You didn’t attend your afternoon class.”

Walking to the parking lot, Clark said, “I need to deal with some stuff. Diana’s staying at my house and it was rowdy as fuck to have her.”

I giggled. I could picture Diana in Clark’s house and knowing her personality, it would have been a mess.

“You’re close to your sister, aren’t you?” I commented.

“If you grew up having no one but your family, it’s not surprising for us to be this close,” Clark absently said.

I got curious.

“What do you mean?”

We stopped in front of Clark’s car. I watched him unlock the doors and he was the first one to get in. I followed soon, sitting beside the driver’s seat.

“I’m hungry, you wanna go eat something?” he suggested.

My heart skipped a beat from his invitation.

“Sure!”

Okay, that sounded a little bit enthusiastic.

Clark eerily smirked.

--