Chapter One - Roommates
Aria’s P.O.V
“Brandon I need help,” I called out, struggling to get into my brother apartment.
I would be calling home for the next six months while he was away for work in Hong Kong. It worked perfectly for me cause my roommate moved. I could not afford the apartment myself.
“Sorry sweetheart, you only have me to help.” I heard a voice…a voice that irked every nerve in my body since I was fourteen years old.
“What the f**k are you doing here?” I snapped, glaring at him.
Hunter Reigns. My brothers best friend since they were toddlers. The one guy that has got under my skin for too long. Hunter and I have not seen eye to eye since I was fourteen and he was seventeen. Before that, we used to get on OK. Well, more like we put up with each other cause he spent more time at my house than his own growing up. He was an arrogant, chauvinist, womanising son-of-a-b***h. I cannot be doing with men like that.
“Did Brandon not tell you? I am your new roommate for the next few months.” He said smugly
What? No way? Brandon would not do this to me. He knows Hunter and I do not get on. Why would he do this?
“I see you are still the same old smug son-of-a-b***h?” I snarled barging by him, dumping my things on the floor.
“And I see you are still a b***h?” he replied
“I am only a b***h to people who deserve it and you deserve it.” I said annoyed
“You were not saying that when I was f*****g you.” He smirked.
“Please do not remind me I done that. It was the biggest mistake of my life.” I said, shuddering a little.
Yes, I had s*x with him. Once or maybe twice five years ago. I was drunk, stupid and only twenty- two years old. I learned from that mistake. I am gonna lie it was an amazing night. One of the best I have had. He does not need to know. Also, it will never happen again. That was the last time I seen him. Five years ago. The last time I spoke to him cause he was away to Italy for four years. He was training to become a chef. I guess it paid off cause Brandon mention he was now a head chef in the hottest Italian Restaurants in the state.
“Mistake? You tell yourself that if that is what helps you sleep at night sweetheart.” He winked.
“Wink at me once more? Call me sweetheart once more? Try it. I will tell Brandon what happened between us back then.” I said smugly
I knew that would soon shut him up.
“You wouldn’t?” he asked worried
“You wanna test me?” I smirked
“Whatever. I know you still want me Aria.” He said, turning and heading back to the sofa.
I knew that would soon shut him up. I do have to admit, he was still gorgeous. He was more ripped than when I last seen him. No one could deny he was a good look guy with his dark hair and blue eyes. His charming smile to match. Whoa! What? Why am I complimenting this man? I have been there, done that. I don’t ever plan on doing it again.
“You gonna stand there all day staring at me like a creep?” I heard his voice say, pulling me out of my own thoughts.
“Go f**k yourself, Hunter,” I growled flipping him off.
He drew me a dirty look, shrugging his shoulder and turning back to the TV. I clenched my fists at my side, trying to fight the urge to go over and slap him one. He had it coming.
“Aria! You are here.” I heard my brother’s excited voice come from behind me.
I had not seen him in three months. It was good to see him even though I was mad at him. I rushed over to him, hugging him tightly. He hugged me back the same way. Once we pulled apart he smiled widely at me.
“Were you ever gonna tell me that jackass would be staying here too?” I said c*****g my brow at him
His full face changed, knowing I was annoyed at him. He gave me a sheepish smile,
“Sorry. Maybe it will be good for the two of you. You can spent the time trying to learn how to get along. I have never understood why you two clash as much.” He said looking from me to Hunter.
“Cause your best friend is a jackass.” I stated matter-of-factly
“And your little sister is annoying as heck and a bit of a b***h if I am being honest. No offence.” Hunter said looking at us.
“And the two of you need to grow up, get over it and suck it up. I do not want a phone call when I am in Hong Kong telling Me I need to come home cause you have killed each other in my apartment OK? Sort it out.” Brandon said
I rolled my eyes, not liking Brandon’s idea one bit. I would rather Hunter not be here at all. It would make my life much easier.
“It is cause your sister secretly wants me but knows she can’t have me.” Hunter said smugly jumping to his feet.
“You go anywhere near her I will kill you without thinking twice got it?” Brandon said sternly to him.
Brandon has always been very protective of me. He took the male role over in our house once our dad sadly passed away. He was only three years older than me but that never stopped him acting like a father figure to me. I think that is why we are this close cause of what we have been through.
“I am only messing with you Brandon. I know my boundaries mate. Plus, she is not my type.” Hunter shrugged, walking away
I turned to Brandon,
“I cannot believe you did this to me. Why would you wanna leave me with that manwhore for six months?” I huffed, folding my arms across my chest.
“You needed somewhere to stay so did he. I would not trust him in my apartment alone. It would be wrecked by the time I got back from Hong Kong.” He laughed.
“Do you think me being here is gonna stop him doing anything? He is a stubborn jackass.” I huffed, annoyed we were even still talking about Hunter.
“Probably not. You make sure you tell him straight though. The guy needs a good kick up the ass.” He laughed “You are in my room. Hunter has the spare room.” He added.
I nodded, hugging him once more before he helped me through to his room with my bags. We sat them down on the floor. Brandon leaving me to unpack. After emptying one bag I gave in, too tired to unpack anymore, they can wait. I grabbed my cell, making my way back through to where Brandon was.
I passed by Hunter’s room. As I did he happened to walk out in nothing but a towel hanging low on his hips. I found myself trailing every inch of him. I wanted to stop, but my eyes kept wondering. I trailed my eyes over his chiselled, strong jaw…down to his bare chest, over his very toned, very muscular stomach. I unintentionally ran my tongue over my bottom lip as I studied every inch of his half naked body.
“Like what you see?” he smirked
“It’s alright I guess.” I shrugged, turning, going to walk away from him.
He had other ideas. He grabbed me, pulling me around. He pulled me into his chest, his hands on my hips.
“Alright? You want all this on top of you again.” he whispered, sending a shiver straight down my spine.
“I…I…do not.” I stuttered out, my pulse telling me the complete opposite.
“Yes, you do Aria. Admit it.” he whispered
“Keep dreaming sweetheart. Now get away from me before Brandon see us.” I said, trying to keep the small amount control I had left.
“We will continue this when he is not around.” He whispered, letting my hips go, heading into the bathroom
I think he is gonna be trouble for me.