She smiles gratefully at my words. “I would rather tell her and Anaya together. Or Anaya will kick my ass. Especially if Noor meets you first, which she’ll insist if I tell her. It was Anaya who pushed me to ask you out.”
“That right?”
“She joked that we could be each other’s rebound and heal our broken hearts,” she reveals with a giggle before sobering up and rasping, “Little does she know you did just that.”
“You didn’t just fix my heart, you healed my soul, Ari.”
“Aww, Nathan.” Tears well in her eyes as she gulps.
I curl my arm around her, bringing her closer and inhale her scent. “I mean it, angel. You’ve stopped me from spiraling and giving in to my demons more times than you realize.”
“I’ll never leave your side.” She hugs my waist, staring up at me. “I love you so much.”
“I love you more.” I keep holding her tightly until we arrive at the hotel holding the fundraiser. It physically pains me to put on my poker face and let Arya go.
She senses the tension coiling in my body and forces my gaze on her brown eyes. “It’s just for a few hours, then it’s just you and me.”
I steal a quick kiss to get through the night before I open my door. Cameras flash as soon as I step out. I shield Arya with my body as I help her out and place my hand on the small of her back. We walk down the red carpet, keeping our expression reserved.
The grand ballroom is packed with finely dressed men and women as we enter. They mingle and gossip with champagne in their hands, filling the walls with a low hum of chatter. I bet most of them are here for networking too rather than the cause.
The fundraiser is being held to raise money for the WaterAid nonprofit that provides access to clean water to world’s poorest communities.
“Would you like a drink, sir?” the waiter asks, holding the tray in my direction.
My hand twitches, ready to accept from muscle memory. I shove it inside my pocket. I haven’t touched a drink since Arya spent the night at my place. I’m not about to break my promise, so I decline, “No, thank you. Do you want one, Arya?”
I almost slip up and call her angel.
“No, I’m good,” replies Arya, smiling at me.
When the waiter leaves, I lean closer and murmur, “You don’t have to stop drinking because of me, angel.”
“I know that, Nathan. I really wasn’t in the mood.”
Hearing the sincerity in her voice, I nod.
The shadow falling over us alerts me to someone’s presence as they stop near us. My body stiffens when the deep male voice speaks with aching familiarity.
“Long time no see, little Aru,” the stranger smirks at my Arya.
Little Aru? The fuck.
I’m about to cut in and demand who the hell he is when Arya’s elated voice beats me to it.
“Kabir!” she exclaims, smiling big at him.
The name sounds vaguely familiar. I just can’t pinpoint where I’ve heard it. He’s Indian but his accent is American. All thoughts about trying to guess his identity flow out of my head when he steps closer and hugs Arya.
I hate him instantly, suppressing the violent urge to yank him off her.
“You look lovely,” he compliments, continuing to hold her with an arm around her shoulders. “All grown up, no more pigtails.”
“Shut up!” scowls Arya. “I never had pigtails.”
How do they know each other? College friend? Though he appears closer to my age. Having had enough of them touching each other, I clear my throat.
Their gaze jerks to mine. Arya’s eyes widen, recognizing the possessiveness rolling off me despite my neutral expression.
