ARIA"I am sorry for pulling you out and wanting to speak to you privately, my son can be quite a handful," Mrs. Wright chuckles pulling me to the side. "I understand," I nod, smiling at her. "I just wanted to confirm that my son is not blackmailing you into - you know,' she says. I tuck my hair behind my ear and lean in closer, "I don't understand what you mean Mrs. Wright.""I think you know what I mean Aria, can I call you that?" "Of course, I am not being blackmailed or threatened," I reply.She nods her head and smiles at me, "Very well. I know Noah might be a handful but if you like him, you can let me know, and I will speak to him personally.""Thank you,' I say staring at her. I can sense she is still in disbelief by what she has just seen and heard, and I understand that, if I were in her shoes I would have a hard time believing this as well, but staring at her looking all bubbling despite her disbelief makes me wonder if this is a good idea.I will have to keep my distan
ARIAI laugh out loud, my head falling to the side, "You want us back, Ben?""Ben, we've been over this. We're done. Finished. Kaput. I've moved on with my life, and so should you," I say, trying to sound firm but calm.I remember vividly how he broke things up between us, he had been a coward, unable to face me. He dared to send his assistant to tell me that it was over and he would appreciate it if I didn't call him, message him, or reach out to him. Hurtful as it was, I didn't bother to reach out to him, it was already embarrassing to have his assistant tell me all that to my face.Ben's expression turns serious, his eyes narrowing. "You're not even willing to listen to me? After everything we shared?"I sigh, feeling a sense of frustration. "Ben, we shared nothing but heartache and pain. You made it clear you didn't want me, and now you're showing up at my doorstep, expecting me to fall into your arms? Please.""I am not expecting you to run into my arms Aria, I mean I am, but I
ARIA"I don't know," he breathes out kissing me again, this time he cups my face pulling me closer. His hand glides through my hair, sending shivers down my spine. I melt into his touch once again, this time wrapping my arms around his neck, my finger digging into his hair. "Ari," he breathes out on my lips. His hand grabs my legs, lifts me off my feet, and lays me down on my back on the couch gently. He buries his hair in my neck, planting soft kisses on my collarbone.I feel a rush of excitement and nervousness as his lips trail down my neck. His hands roam over my body, exploring every curve and contour. I arch into his touch, feeling alive and wanted."Noah," I breathe out, my voice barely above a whisper.He looks up at me, his eyes burning with desire. We both stare at each other for a moment, our lips parted, our breath heightened and our heartbeat in sync. Noah buries his head back into my neck, like he has just read my mind, and figured out that I want this, just as much as
NOAHHere I was thinking nothing could scare this woman beneath me, the way her eyes open makes me chuckle but my laughter soon dies down when he pulls me by my hand towards the storage room. Why am I getting thrown into a storeroom? I clean my lips as she shoves me into the room, "Please, keep quiet, please," she begs closing the door. I lean back on the wall noticing the door has a see-through window, perfect for spying. I watch as Aria rushes to tidy up the living room, her face flushed and her hair disheveled. She's trying to erase any evidence of our encounter, but it's too late for that. I can't help but chuckle to myself as I watch her frantically straighten up the couch cushions and smooth out her dress. She's so adorable when she's flustered.Just then, the door opens and Aria's mother walks in, a look of concern on her face. "Aria, dear, I was worried about you. I called out and you didn't answer," she says, eyeing the room suspiciously.Aria forces a laugh and waves her
NOAHI wear the shirt back, buttoning it in place, and getting comfortable on the couch. It doesn't take long when she comes back in, wearing another pair of clothes, and her makeup is gone. "So, what is it going to be? Water? Juice?" "What do you think?" I ask, staring at her. "I suspect you are up to no good," she says walking over to where her drink is. She picks up two bottles and raises them in the air, "I guess it's alcohol then."I nod, smiling as she drops it on the table in front of us. She pours a glass for me and her, before sitting next to me. Despite her calm demeanor, I can tell she is nervous. I mean, I did just finger her and suck her off, and now I am just here refusing to leave and let her think about it. I also don't know why I am unwilling to leave her side, since that kiss I have rather been more interested in her life, the desire of wanting to know more about her had consumed my mind at work and I had to drive here immediately."I thought you were busy today,
NOAHThe next morning, I wake up with a migraine, I roll on my belly and check the time on the alarm clock on my bedside table.7:20 am.I switch it off knowing that by 7:30 AM it will be blaring horns in my ears.A knock falls on the door as I rub the sleep off my eyes, who could be knocking this early?"Noah?" My mother calls out from outside. "I am sorry to disturb your sleep but there is something you need to see," she says. "Can't it wait?" I groan."It's about Aria," my mother says, her voice laced with concern.Aria? I am out of bed even before my mind registers her words. I open the door and my mother doesn't hesitate to hand me her phone. Boldly written on the covers is "Mr. And Mrs Hayes has been in a fatal car accident."A live video is playing showing their damaged car being towed and blood stains plastered on the floor. My eyes widen as I take it all in, Aria had spoken to her mother yesterday. How did this happen? I hand my mother back to her phone and rush into the ba
ARIA"Are you okay?" Arthur asks closing the door once Noah leaves, he pulls me into his arms and I can't help but burst into tears unable to control myself. "Yes, I'm fine," I sob, trying to compose myself. Arthur hands me a tissue, and I wipe my tears. "What was that all about?" he asks, referring to Noah's sudden arrival. I shake my head, feeling a mix of emotions. "I don't know, Arthur. I don't want to talk about it." Arthur frowns, "You don't want to talk about Noah Wright, the guy who tried to buy out our father's company, right at your doorstep giving you a hug and sounding so -""Arthur please okay?" I plead, going to sit on the couch and folding my arms over my chest. Our family lawyers remain quiet staring at both of us without a word. "Are you with him now? Are you guys like dating or what?" One of our family lawyers, James, clears his throat, "With the current situation, it will be best to map out a plan before things get out of hand.""Plan? What plan?" I ask, feeli
NOAHIt's been a week since I last saw Aria, she has not responded to my text message, nor is she picking up my calls. Lately, I have only been opportune to see her on the news regarding managing her parent's company alongside her brother. I have tried to concentrate on work, to accept that it's normal for her to want space, to not speak to me, but I just can't. I know the reason we connected was because of the bet, but I genuinely enjoyed her company, and I can't help but feel a sense of loss. I miss our conversations, her laughter, and her smile. I've tried to distract myself with work, but nothing seems to fill the void. I've even found myself watching the news, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, just to see how she's doing. I know I shouldn't be feeling this way, but I can't help it.I look over at the papers before me running my fingers through my hair, why can't I get her off my head? A knock falls on the door interrupting my thoughts and I lift my head to find Melissa stepping