“Arrogant much?” he shoots back with a playful smile that turns my stomach into knots.
Aiden detaches himself from him and smirks like an asshole. “Admit it. You couldn’t wait to see me.” He glances at me. “Oh, Andrew’s here, too? Didn’t notice you.”
Motherfucker. He knew I was here. That’s the whole reason why that jackass even interrupted our moment. If it weren’t for my Paradise standing beside me, I’d have cussed the jerk out.
“Might wanna get your eyes checked,” I mumble, and to my purest delight Aoi chuckles.
Yep, I’m marrying him one day.
“How about you go play with kids your age? The adults are talking.” Aiden laughs condescendingly, leaning his elbow on Aoi’s shoulder. “Oh, did I hit a nerve?”
“Don’t be rude.” Aoi swats his arm off and cocks a brow at him. “Who said you could get comfortable? Both of you are acting like immature children. Grow up, will you?”
I gape at him in disbelief. “What didIdo? I can’t believe you’re taking his side,” I mutter, tilting my head the way I used to when I was young.
“Acting cute won’t work on me.” He smiles before glancing at my lips, disregarding Aiden for a few beats. “I have to get back to my friends now. Been away for too long.”
But itdidwork. See? You’re looking atme.
“Of course. Thank you for indulging me.” I lean over his ear and murmur, “If I asked you to stay, would you?”
Aoi’s hand lands on my chest and my heart hammers furiously under his touch, lighting me aflame. He gently pushes me away and I almost curse myself for getting ahead of myself until I see the look in his eyes that shoots straight to my dick. “Don’t ask me.”
“Why not?” I taunt, ignoring Aiden’s glare.
He licks his lips and glances at the booth where his friends are chatting around drinks. “Guess, pretty boy.” Then he turns to Aiden. “It was nice bumping into you here, but I really have to go now.”
He wants me–at least to fuck me–but he keeps looking for reasons to run. Ways to make me chase him until he’s ready to let me in.
Aiden wraps his arms around Aoi’s waist, and as he lets that bastard’s body press against him I feel jealousy clench my gut. Aoihesitates at first, then he momentarily hugs him back before detaching himself from Aiden.
I bite my lip when he glances at me and his fingers brush against mine as he swiftly heads back to his friends’ booth.
Fuck, he’s so sneaky about it and I’m sure it was intentional.
Aiden and I stand next to each other. I don’t bother addressing him as I push past him, but his hand lands on my bicep, gripping it tightly. “You haven’t told him the truth yet,Visha.”
“Shut the fuck up,” I grit out, my body screaming with revolt and disgust from his touch. “This is none of your fucking business. I’m the one who decides when to tell him, so keep your mouth shut and your fingers out of my business.”
“You arrogant bastard.” He lets go of my arm and smirks. “Guess we’ll see who he picks in the end.”
“Fuck you,” I snap. “This isn’t a competition. Maybe for you this doesn’t matter and it’s just a simple game to entertain you. ButI love him, and I won’t let you ruin my chances because you’re an asshole.”
Fuck him and everyone else who wants to get in my way. I’ve waited ten fucking years for this opportunity, and there is no way in hell I’m going to let some jerk ruin it.
I’ll tell Aoi the truth soon. I will, but not now. Not when our bond is still so fragile.
Slumping back into the velvet booth, I exhale harshly when Liv says, “Took you long enough. Guess Aiden isn’t over him, hmm?”
“I’m fucked, aren’t I? Man, I love him so much. Just a few words exchanged and I’m already wishing I could steal him away, and lock him up so I can have him all for myself.”
She laughs and points her index finger at me. “You’ve been fucked since the day I met you. He’s always been on your mind. Guess you were right.”
“About what?”
“Your crush never ended, even after so many years apart.” She tugs her purple bustier dress back into place and checks the state of her black nail polish. “I’m amazed.”
“Let’s hope he will be, too,” I mutter, transfixed on him in a booth with his friends.
