020~ HEART
1487 Words
Lucas
"Did I make a mistake coming?" Aria inquired, her uncertainty evident as my intense gaze lingered on her.
I didn't respond immediately, caught off guard by her unexpected presence.
"No. f**k! I didn't know you were the one," I admitted, a mix of surprise and frustration colouring my tone.
She was the last person I anticipated to find behind the door, and the complex nature of our relationship had not prepared me for her sudden appearance. Torn between the instinct to ask her to leave and the overwhelming desire to pull her into the safety of my embrace, I hesitated.
My mother's ominous threats echoed in my head, reminding me of the potential danger of being close to her. Despite the risks, I couldn't bring myself to send her away, not after seeing her standing there. I was getting too greedy.
I scanned the hallways, checking for any suspicious figures that might have followed her.
"Did anyone follow you or meet you?" I asked, turning to her with a sense of urgency.
She shook her head, confusion etched on her face as she questioned, "Why?"
A heavy sigh escaped my mouth, the weight of protecting her pressing on my shoulders.
"Come on in," I finally offered, stepping back to allow her entry.
She walked down the hallway to the living room, I discreetly followed behind, my gaze unintentionally drawn to the details of her outfit. Her silhouette outlined in the sleek black sleeveless dress, and my eyes couldn't help but linger on the alluring details of the garment.
The low back deep V design accentuated the graceful curve of her spine, adding a touch of elegance and sensuality to her appearance. The fabric clung to her form in a way that drew my attention, emphasizing the contours of her body. The exposed back, a teasing display of skin, held a subtle allure, enticing my eyes to trace the delicate lines.
I couldn't help but notice the way her steps seemed to slow, as if she sensed my eyes on her. Caught in the act, she turned abruptly, meeting my gaze. A playful grin tugged at my lips. With a mischievous grin adorning her face, she confidently strode forward with her back, guiding the path.
"You'll fall if you keep walking with your back," I teased.
"So you'll get a better view?" she responded, a smile playing on her lips as she halted.
Closing the distance between us, I stood close, my hand gently moving a strand of hair away from her shoulders. "Where did you go looking this hot?" I quipped.
Her response, delivered with a shaky breath, hung in the air like a whispered secret. "A party."
"A party?" I repeated, my hands finding a resting place on her shoulders, fingers tracing a soft circle on her exposed skin.
"I thought you hated crowds?" I inquired, my gaze searching hers.
"My mom insisted," she confessed, vulnerability etched in her voice.
I couldn't resist lowering my voice. Its timbre took on a low and curious tone. "How many guys at the party hit on you?"
Watching her eyes meet mine, a subtle pang of jealousy gripped me. It's unmistakable this time, and I can't deny the unwelcome surge of possessiveness coursing through me. The thought of other men vying for her attention sent a sharp, unsettling twinge through my chest.
I find myself torn between acknowledging the jealousy and maintaining the façade of indifference. As her words lingered in the air, the realization that I care more than I initially admitted sinking in. My grip on her shoulders tightened involuntarily.
"I didn't stay long," she replied, and I released my grip on her shoulder, stepping back.
My mother's words taunted me, and she looked hurt at my sudden withdrawal. I hated myself for how poorly I was acting.
"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked, her voice gentle and caring.
I tried to deflect, "Talk about what?" feigning ignorance.
Her eyes bore into mine, unwavering. "Talk about why you've been in a shitty mood since that night."
I attempted to dismiss her concern, "Did Jaxson put you up to this?" I asked defensively.
Her gaze softened, "Would you send me away if he did?" she questioned.
I couldn't bring myself to send her away, not now, not when the vulnerability in her eyes mirrored my own.
I could never send her away.
Never.
She took a tentative step towards me, her eyes searching mine for answers. I involuntarily took a step back, creating an unintended distance between us. The hurt in her expression mirrored the tightening in my chest, a silent echo of my internal struggle.
Another step forward, and this time, I didn't move. It wasn't a conscious decision – it was as if my body had its own mind, a mind that I had lost control over.
In that moment, her words hung in the air, and her proposition lingered in the room. "If I were in this situation, you wouldn't let me be. You would have blabbed about how we were friends and made sure I told you what the problem was,"
"Let me be a good friend to you today," she added, looking up at me.
I found myself locked in a silent contemplation.
Should I give in?
In that quiet moment, her words echoed through the room, each one carrying a weight that I couldn't ignore. Caught between the instinct to shield my emotions and the genuine concern in her eyes, I hesitated.
"Fine," I conceded, taking a hesitant step towards her. "But don't expect me to spill my entire life story," I added, a half-smile breaking through the serious facade.
Closing the gap between us, I pulled her into a hug, our bodies fitting together with an undeniable warmth. She was initially tense but gradually relaxed in my arms.
"Let me hold you for a few seconds." My plea was met with silent acknowledgement as she stood there, allowing me to hold her close.
In that intimate embrace, I found comfort in the familiar scent of her shampoo. She reciprocated the hug, her hands resting on my back, creating a silent pact of understanding and support.
As I nestled my nose into her hair, I couldn't deny the vulnerability I felt, and a small smile tugged at my lips. In that moment, the chaos of life faded away, and the world seemed to pause, allowing us a brief respite in each other's arms.
"What would you do if someone threatens to kill someone you love?" I asked, my voice revealing the depth of the internal struggle I faced.
"I... I can't imagine that. I would want to protect the person by all means. Since I know the source of the threat, I will deal with it," she expressed, her determination clear.
The determination settled within me as her words lingered, a realization crystallizing that confronting the source was the necessary course of action. And I knew just the person who would deal with her.
"Why are you asking? Is there someone trying to kill someone you love?" she inquired, tilting her head up to meet my gaze.
"No, I was just asking," I replied, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead.
A blush crept across her cheeks as she bit the inside of her cheek. "Don't think you can change the topic," she teased, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of playfulness and curiosity.
"This is unlike you, caring about me. I'll think you're falling for me if this continues," I chuckled, attempting to steer the conversation away.
"Don't try to change the topic," she insisted, pinching me.
I winced, pulling away, but she wore a big smile.
"Damn, Aria," I smiled in return.
Despite my attempts to avoid the topic, she remained steadfast. "Nothing serious, just my mom trying to force me to date Ruby," I explained, omitting the more menacing details.
"Oh," she remarked, her tone carrying a tinge of hurt. "She must really like Ruby then," she added, her words revealing the underlying emotions.
"That's her business; she can date Ruby herself if she likes her," I retorted, aiming to clarify my stance and prevent any potential misunderstanding.
"I didn't realize it until now, but they do make a perfect match. Perhaps if my mom dates Ruby on my behalf, she won't feel the need to force that unlikeable woman on me. It's a win-win for everyone – they can sip tea, plan world domination, and coordinate their outfits without dragging me into it."
Aria turned back to me, laughter bubbling up, and I couldn't help but revel in the beauty of her laughter. Her green eyes glistened with tears of mirth as she laughed, creating an enchanting scene. The sound was a melody that resonated in the room, and I found myself captivated by the genuine joy that radiated from her.
- Writer
