91. Saved By An InchAria put a hand across her eyes to prevent a blow on the face. What hit her was a gust of wind as she heard the creatures' shuddering roar echo around her, shaking the very foundation of courage. It was followed by the sound of something falling on the ground far away after hitting something like a tree or a rock. "Aria," Her eyes flew open and mouth trembled into a relieved smile for Jake was kneeling before her, his hand going to cover the hand on her stomach. His eyes took in her bleeding stomach and anger made his eyes shine tenfold fiercer than she'd seen the silver creature's. He picked her in his arms and dropped her under a tree away from the creatures. "Wait for me here, cupcake. It won't take more than two minutes." He brushed his knuckles on her cheek and smiled between the tightness around his jaw. She beamed weakly, assuring him that she was okay. But her expressive eyes that were like two little globes of emotions gave away her agony. A sinew bel

93. Let Me Dirty YouThe night unfolded with more surprising events for Aria. She had not anticipated her father to lay bare with all his secrets. He shared how he felt over the years, treating her worthless; and how he punished himself after giving Aria a hard and atrocious time.She found him kissing her forehead from time to time, and holding her hands to his heart. Zavier shared what she really meant to him. And that he wished to make things normal in their house and live like a happy family. Except his demons and shame had forged a wall of reluctance around him.Zavier was glad Aria gave him another chance. He ordered pizzas and lasagna from the hotel he and Stella used to visit when Aria was not born. He told her how much her mother liked to eat from there, and that majority of times during her pregnancy, she had Zavier buy ice creams and food from there.Aria rejoiced spending time with her father. He was so open with her, so enlivened, that he smiled from ear to ear every seco

95. Let's meet Noah Aria sat across from Daisy around a table laden with pots with soil and seeds. The kitchen gardening class was going in full swing, everyone enjoying it. Except Daisy sat lost in her thoughts as she lazily wavered her hand in the pot of soil.Aria noticed her and sighed, "The soil is for the seeds to plant, Daisy! Not for you to play with it. Look, you've made a mess."After Daisy reverted to the present, she flinched and apologized for spilling soil out of the pot on the table and around. She was sulking after her fight with Kai. Also afraid that he might just go back to screwing around with random girls."You shouldn't have instigated it if you care about it so much." Aria said.Aria had tried to avoid her friend and focus on the activity. It would have been more immersing if Jake was here. He liked growing edible plants and they were hoping to make a little one on the rooftop of Aria's house. He's promised to work on it with her after taking classes today.Now

97. Jake complex! The week was progressing pretty smoothly and full of elation much to Aria's anticipation. She reveled in exercising every activity that followed the next day and the other days with Jake. Horse riding was intimidating. The horse she got was grumpy and would not move. Thanks to Jake and his friendliness, he not only got her horse moving but also discovered that he had a bruised hoof that made him grumpy and unmoving. She relished the view of him helping the groom tend to the horse's hoof. He seemed so fucking kissable when he gave her a satisfying smile after he had returned. "Want to ride my horse with me?" He had asked so lovingly that there was no way Aria would say no. She had melted into the warmth of his chest. His naughty hands sometimes caressed her waist, or the side of her legs as they moved around on the horse. Since there was no sign of her father returning anytime soon, Jake and Aria spent another night in his house, making love and beautiful memories

99. I thought you loved me"Aria," Realizing the wrong purpose his words may have sounded to give, he went to fetch her hands.Aria moved far away and raised a hand to stop him. Her face exhibited the pain that emerged inside of her from that statement. Cursing himself, Jake rose from the couch."Aria, I am sorry if I sound weird, but it's a mate-bond you're talking about breaking. I have heard from my parents how painful it is. I want you to think wisely bef—""Leave me alone, Jake.""Aria," Feeling weighed down by remorse, Jake hesitantly grazed her shoulders.A jerk was expected, and what followed was a burst of heavy cloud of fury as she pushed him toward the door."Go at once, Jake. I don't want to talk to you.""Aria, you're taking it the wrong way. I meant..." He froze three steps from the door and pulled her in his arms. "I meant for you to take your time. Rejecting Noah may feel like the right thing now, but I don't want to be the cause for it.""The moment you came into my l