Zen…

Your new neighbour turns out to be the guy you had a one-night stand with the night you broke up with your ex—and it was the best sex of your life. Two weeks later, he moves into your neighbourhood. 

Just when you thought you were done with men and ready to focus on your goals…

You spot him first and manage to avoid him for three days. But when he bumps into you as you’re leaving the grocery store, you pretend not to recognize him, hoping he’ll just play it cool and keep walking.

He’s not only devilishly handsome—he’s cocky. “Hi, stranger. Remember me?”

“Uh, no. Should I?” you say, scratching your nose, hoping he’ll drop it.

He scoffs, “Scarlet, are you kidding me? ‘Caesar’s Parlor’ ring a bell?”

You shake your head, squinting your eyes cause of the sun “Wow, you’re not only gorgeous but a terrible liar too.”

You stick your tongue to your upper teeth as frustration builds, holding his sparkling gaze. “What do you want?”

“To say hi to an old friend.”

“First off, we’re barely acquaintances, let alone friends. And who reconnects with someone by referencing a hookup night?”

He grins, enjoying every bit of your discomfort. “I searched for you the entire next day. You left without a trace. Usually, the guy sneaks out, not一”

“Oh, I see. Your ego’s bruised because a girl ditched you first.”

“No, no. I’m not hurt. I’m just disappointed. I thought we had something real… that we could at least stay in touch.”

“Haha, please. I was the one ranting about my breakup. You found a perfect victim, ready to be rescued and… fucked out of her misery. Thank you for your generous act of goodness, now excuse me.” You say, pressing a sunny smile on your lips

He follows you to your car, waiting for you to open it, holding the door as you get in. “Scarlet. That night was real for me.”

His eyes are serious now, except you don’t believe him. “Sure, Mr….”

He scoffs, stretching from the door with a sting on his face. “Wow, can’t believe you forgot my name too. Ouch.”

You start your car and steer your wheels decisively while he yells,

“It’s Aaron! You were screaming it all night while I pinned you against the wall…”

You drive off, smirking to yourself.

Of course you remembered his name.

How could you not remember? How could you forget the guy who ate you out for an entire hour? Who… fuck.

You hit the steering, and rub your face

Just when you were trying to begin again, mind your own business, and focus on your money and dreams, Aaron decides to reappear in your life.

***

“I like her,” Aaron says to his friend Brad.

“Why? Because she was a good distraction after your dad threatened to give the company to your brother if you didn’t pull off the Butterfly project? You were so upset that night, I thought you’d throw yourself off a bridge—only to find you hugging some girl at a club.”

Aaron scoffs, moving from his living room to the front porch, sinking into a brown basket swing chair. “Didn’t know anyone was following me.”

Brad squints at the building across the street, staring right at the window of Scarlet’s apartment. “She’d think you’re stalking her… instead of just rebelling against your dad.”

Aaron’s eyes drift toward Scarlet’s window, hoping to catch a glimpse of her tying her bun like she usually does. “We had a great time, sure, but it’s not just that.”

Brad gives him a skeptical look. “Really?”

Aaron chuckles. “Okay, maybe it is. But there’s more.”

Brad laughs. “You mean she’s feisty and doesn’t cling to you like the others.”

Aaron grins. “Yeah, and she doesn’t know who I am yet.”

“Are you going to show her?”

Aaron shakes his head. “No. I like how quiet this neighborhood is. I need to stay low and get the Butterfly project done. I can’t let my useless brother take everything I’ve worked for.”

Brad’s expression shifts. “Then why are you still here? Don’t you have a meeting at 10? It’s 8:30.”

“I know,” Aaron says, still swinging, his eyes fixed on Scarlet’s window.

“Don’t tell me you’re waiting for her.”

Aaron smiles. “Maybe.”

Just then, Scarlet appears—laptop in hand, wearing a sky-blue sweater over a black skirt and stilettos, heading toward her car. Aaron quickly pulls his sunglasses from his sweatshirt collar and adjusts his pants.

“How do I look?”

“Desperate,” Brad mutters.

“Better,” Aaron retorts, standing up to grab his phone from the living room.

“You know she has a car, right?”

“She won’t today,” Aaron says with a smirk.

Brad’s gaze darkens. “What did you do, Aaron?”

“Nothing,” Aaron grins.

—-

You kick your car in frustration—two flat tires. Great. You check your watch. “I’m so late. How did I not notice this?” You look around the empty street, realizing it’s going to be a long walk to find a cab. Hands on your waist, pacing back and forth, you try to stay calm, but deep down, panic is setting in.

Your phone buzzes. “Meeting moved to 11 am, but you need to come in earlier for a briefing on the project.”

Your heart races. If you miss this, your boss will be furious. You’ve worked too hard to mess things up now that you’re the CMO of Peaches Communications.

Just as you start mentally preparing for a long walk, a red Ferrari pulls up beside you. The window rolls down.

It’s him.

You roll your eyes, looking away like you have better options. “Car troubles?” Aaron asks.

You press your lips together, trying to keep it together. Deep down, you wish you could yank him out of the car and take it yourself.

“Alright, I guess you’re good then,” he teases. “I was going to offer you a ride since I’m headed to Dragon Bank.”

That catches your attention. That’s exactly where you’re headed.

Before he can finish, you walk around the car and get in. From the corner of your eye, you catch his devilish grin as you pull on the seatbelt.

“So…” he begins.

“Just shut up and drive.”

He chuckles, sliding his sunglasses back on as he steers the car. “So, you’re the manager at Dragon Bank?”

You smirk, looking up from your phone. “Nice try, but no.”

“Then what are you?”

“Just a contractor.” You can’t help but notice how good he looks, how good he smells. “Let me guess, you’re the runaway son avoiding family responsibilities, hiding out here until daddy’s pocket money runs dry?”

The car jerks, startling you. “Whoa! What was that for?”

“Sorry. I was… distracted,” Aaron mutters, gripping the wheel tighter. “Maybe we should stick to your advice and just shut up.”

The silence between you feels heavy. Did you say something wrong? You look out the window, hoping he’ll at least say something, but instead, he turns the music up.

Typical.

You finally arrive at Peaches Communications.

“I’m stopping here. Where do you want me to drop you off?” he asks.

“Here’s fine.” You unbuckle your seatbelt, grab your bag, and turn to him. “Thanks… and about what I said—”

“I’m not offended,” Aaron interrupts with a smile that makes your blood boil. “Have a beautiful day, Scarlet.”

You freeze, still sitting in his car. “Uh, yeah.” You quickly get out, adjusting your outfit as you walk away.

As you wait for the elevator in the lobby, the doors open—and there he is.

You frown as Aaron joins you inside. “You work here?”

“No,” he grins. “My dad owns the place. Thought I’d drop by for some pocket money.”

You clench your jaw, trying not to let him get under your skin. “I’m not apologizing again.”

“Well, technically, you didn’t apologize,” he says, leaning against the elevator wall. “But it’s fine.”

You glare at the ceiling, praying the elevator ride will end soon. Finally, the doors open, and you both step out onto the same floor. A colleague rushes over, pulling you aside.

—-

Inside the boardroom, you’re introduced to the team. And there, sitting and reviewing files, is Aaron.

“Ms. Johnson, we’re excited to have you on board for the Butterfly project. And this is Aaron Smith, our new Creative Director. You’ll be working together.”

Your heart skips a beat, whether from frustration or something else, you’re not sure.

“I thought I’d be handling this alone,” you say, trying to keep your cool.

“Yes, but the project is sensitive. The higher-ups called in Mr. Smith to provide oversight. We can’t afford mistakes.”

You nod, though you’re not thrilled.

The meeting wraps up, and as you’re about to leave, Aaron stops you. “Scarlet, I need your file on my desk. ASAP.”

You turn, glaring at him. “Of course, Mr. Smith.”

Later, in his office, Aaron is on the phone when you enter. He gestures for you to sit, finishing up his call. “How are you?” he asks, catching you off guard.

“I’m fine. You needed something?”

“Yeah,” he says, handing you the file. “Your work is good, Scarlet. But something’s missing.”

“Missing? You’ve barely been here.”

Aaron leans forward, locking eyes with you. “You’re good, but you’re holding back. Take more risks—that’s how you win. I’m not your enemy. I want you to win. I’ll push you if I have to.”

You hold your breath. How does he know? That fear of failure gnaws at you, but you’re not about to let him see it. “I don’t need a pep talk.”

Aaron smiles, standing up. “Good. Then prove it.”

A few days later, your phone rings from a strange number. “Hello?”

“Hey, beautiful.”

You shut your eyes, realizing it’s Aaron. “Of course you got my number from the file”

“One of the perks of being your senior.”

You sigh. “You could’ve just asked.”

“And you would’ve said no.”

“Fair point.”

“Let’s have breakfast,” he suggests.

“Too bad I’m not home.”

“Your windows say differently,” Aaron teases. You glance out and see him standing in front of his house, waving at you.

You sigh, rolling your eyes. “Fine. I’m coming.”

—-

At breakfast, Aaron asks, “How’s the project coming along?”

You take a bite of your toast. “Still putting things together. Corporate PR is tricky, but we’ll manage. What about you?”

“I’m talking about the trip. No one’s called you?”

You frown. “What trip?”

“We’re going on a 10-day work trip. Your team knows. I’m surprised you don’t.”

“We’re in the middle of a project!”

“Part of the creative process is stepping away,” Aaron says. “Sometimes, the key to solving a problem is not staring much longer. It’s softening your gaze.”

You scoff. “Really?”

“Uh-huh.” He leans back, adjusting his white shirt. “And don’t worry, the company’s covering the cost. We leave tomorrow.”

You blink, stunned. “Tomorrow?”

“Yep. First thing in the morning.”

Without another word, you throw your napkin onto the table and storm out, leaving Aaron behind, clearly amused.

***

After the team dinner, you step onto your suite’s balcony, the city lights of Singapore twinkling below. The warm night breeze feels good against your skin when Aaron’s call pulls you from your thoughts.

“Hey, how are you?”

“I’m good… until you called,” you tease.

He laughs, and the sound of his voice makes your pulse quicken, like it always does. “Can you come down to the lobby?”

“Okay.” You need this. And not because you like having him around—but, truth be told, everything about this man makes you ache.

—

You meet him in the lobby, phone pressed to his ear. He flashes you a grin and waves, his flat grey pants and firm black T-shirt complementing every inch of his well-built frame. You’ve never seen a man so infuriating yet so well put together.

“Hey, gorgeous,” he says, hanging up the call.

“You know we’re supposed to be sleeping. We have work tomorrow,” you remind him, your heart quickening its pace with him up close.

“Who sleeps this early when they come to Marina Bay Sands? Come on, let’s go to the SkyPark Garden.” Without waiting for your reply, he takes your arm in a way that’s both possessive and easy, as if it’s part of his body.

“You know we don’t have to hold hands,” you say, adjusting your gaze forward with a calm expression.

He glances at you, his eyes dark. “I want to hold your hand. If you don’t want me to—…”

“Great.” You slip your hand from his.

He laughs even more.

The walk to the SkyPark is silent but not awkward. The air smells of jasmine, and the soft lights from the garden mix with the city’s glow, casting a dreamy haze over everything. In the distance, the glittering buildings stretch up into the night—as though it’s promising you a visit to God’s palace—the skyline both breathtaking and serene.

This moment feels almost too perfect—like something out of a dream. You’ve always imagined standing in a place like this, hand-in-hand with someone who matters. The view, the lights, the calm—it all brings back a quiet longing, one you’ve had since childhood. Maybe this is what you’ve been manifesting all along: a night like this, with someone…even if that someone is the most annoyingly attractive man you’ve ever met.

As you step into the elevator, brushing arms with him, a part of you wonders if he feels the same tension. Does his chest tighten like yours, or is this just a game to him? His calm exterior is frustrating—he always seems to have everything figured out.

“I guess you’ve been here before,” you say, breaking the silence.

He smiles, holding your gaze. “Well, it’s the kind of place you spend daddy’s pocket money.”

You shut your eyes and open them again, scoffing. You meet his eyes, shake your head, then look away. “You don’t have to keep mentioning that. I already said I was sor—”

“I’m not asking you to apologize for anything you said. I’m only giving you a reply.”

“Yeah, it sounded like you were mocking me.”

You take a deep breath. You can’t let this man get under your skin—not when you’re about to have a good time.

“Hey.” He faces you. “You’re right; I was trying to get under your skin, and I’m sorry.”

You frown.

“And, uh…” His sexy throat bobs as his gaze shifts from yours to your lips and back to your eyes. “I have something I’d like to confess.”

You scoff and lean back against the elevator wall, thinking it’s probably about his feelings. You’re in no mood to entertain his confession or control how you’ll react.

“No, hear me out. This might be the wrong time to say this, but I don’t want to be this kind of person to you…”

Your heart panics. What the hell is he talking about?

“It was me who slashed your tires.” He says it, and it takes you ten seconds to actually process it.

“Wait, what?”

He nods. “I don’t have any excuse for doing that. I’m sorry. It was disrespectful and manipulative, and I don’t want to—”

“Wow.” You raise your brows at him and look away. As the elevator opens, you walk out, and he rushes after you.

“Hey! Hey! Scarlett. Talk to me!” He grabs your hand, but you jerk away.

You stop. “What do you want me to say? Well done? Or… thanks for telling me about some childish, creepy stuff you did? What do you want me to say? No, tell me!”

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. No, I did know what I was doing. That’s not who I am. My reasons are just silly. Yes, I wanted a reason to get closer to you because you’re so hard to reach. You know what? My reasons are lame, and I can’t make excuses for something so wrong. I wouldn’t like it if anyone did it to me. It was a stupid thing to do, and I’m truly sorry. I mean it. It won’t happen again.” His eyes have a way of making everything hard.

You sigh and walk away. Truth is, you have no idea what you’re mad about. Is it that you can’t stay angry at him because you see why he might have done it, even though it’s manipulative and selfish? Or that he apologized without making excuses?

Should you stay angry or forgive him too easily? If you forgive him easily, how will he make up for it? You should be angrier; scream at him or something. But why this lack of craziness? You’re mad, yes, but what are you mad about?

Could it be it’s not even the tires? —it’s the fact that Aaron somehow always gets under your skin. It doesn’t matter what he says or does; he always has this effect on you. You stand there, staring blankly at the city, which feels vast and alive. Yet, from this height, there’s a sense of peaceful detachment, almost like you’re above it all.

***

It’s 8 AM, time for the team meeting at the sky observation deck. He isn’t there. You call his phone, but it goes unanswered.

“Let’s start. What do you have?”

They unveil tour boards stationed as walls with papers for the project stuck on them. You look at everything, shut your eyes, and sigh. With your hands on your waist, you turn to them. “This is it?” Your team exchanges glances and mutters words you can’t hear.

You pick up your diary and coffee. “Do it again. Let’s reconvene in an hour. You better have something good.” You leave to work from your suite.

The second time is worse.

“I don’t understand. We are not here to play! Give me something!”

“Let’s reconvene in another hour.”

“Ma’am, what about lunch?” One of the ladies on your team asks with pleading eyes.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. Are you seriously thinking about food with everything going on?”

“Take 45 for lunch,” a familiar voice says from behind you.

Before you can respond, your team murmurs their thanks and leaves.

You turn to face Aaron, fury simmering beneath your breath. “First, you miss the meeting; second, you ignore my calls; third, you interfere with my work.”

“I’m your boss, Scarlet. I have a right to ask them to eat. I didn’t miss the meeting or ignore your calls. I had a more important meeting to attend, and I just saw your missed calls. I didn’t think you’d even want me here. My role is to ensure your team is comfortable enough to work on this project and provide oversight.”

“Well, thanks to you, they’re not even working. We’re three days away from the presentation, and we have nothing.”

“Yet.” He edges closer. “I know you’re still mad at me, so I don’t want to be in your face.”

You shut your eyes and step back.

“Don’t flatter yourself; I’m not mad at you.”

He inches closer. “You’re not?”

Holding your heated gaze, he adds, “I know you wish you could punch me in the gut.”

You hold your shaky breath with every inch of him near.

“I deserve it. So do it.”

This is it. Your anxiety stems not just from your team’s failure but from your feelings for Aaron. Maybe it’s not hatred but something you’re yet to understand. You’ve felt edgy around him since the day he showed up at work, and no matter how good you are at hiding it from others, he sees it all.

Because of him, you wonder if your leadership is slipping due to the distraction he causes.

He adds, “If it’ll make you feel better—”

You hit his chest. Again. And again, frustration rising in your voice as you increase your pace. He’s so heavily built that your palms hurt from hitting him.

Confusion swirls within you; you’re not sure why you’re acting like this or what you’re feeling. You hate that he knows you and that you can’t hide from him. You resent and crave the control Aaron has over your emotions. You like being in control; you like things working your way. Even though it’s been working for you, you yearn for change—someone who can help you let go for once. Someone who can help you shut off your brain.

Aaron grabs your wrist, but you try to keep going. His lips crash into yours with an urgency that steals your breath. His heavy breathing matches yours as your arms snake around his neck, fingers digging into the back of his head, pulling him closer. You arch against him, feeling his solid form press into you. His hands cradle your chin, desperate for more of your lips. You feel him throbbing against your thighs. His hands tremble with restraint, aching to touch you—but he stops, holding your gaze. “Scarlet—“

Grabbing the collar of his black shirt, you pull him back to you, your kiss wild, your teeth grazing his lower lip as his tongue pushes deeper into your mouth. Frustration builds as you struggle with his buttons, impatiently going for his belt.

“Scarlet… I want this, but we can’t. Your team will be back soon—“

You silence him with another kiss, a moan escaping your lips as your hand strokes his huge bulge.

With a swift motion, he lifts you against the glass wall, your dress hiking up as he positions himself between your thighs. His hands shift your underwear aside, and then …he’s inside you—hard, steady, fast, groaning against your neck.

Your arms tighten around him as one leg wraps around his waist, the other struggling for balance. His hand braces against the wall for support while his hips set a demanding rhythm, each thrust pushing you closer to the edge.

“Yes… yes… oh yes!” you whisper, trying to stifle the sounds, but each stroke keeps you mindless, your breath ragged, your eyes surging with tears of ecstasy “Yes!”

“You need to stop screaming,” he mutters between kisses on your neck, his voice strained with control.

You bite your lip, but he makes it harder to hold back. His pace quickens, your moans spilling out despite yourself, until finally, the tension shatters, and you both collapse, breathing heavily, wrapped in each other’s arms.

—-

“You’re crazy,” he pants, his voice thick as you quickly adjust your clothes.

You lick your lips, holding his gaze. His eyes are still dark with want, but there’s something more as they linger on you.

“This doesn’t mean anything. I’m still mad at you,” you say, still catching your breath.

He smiles, running a hand through his hair. “Okay, fine. So, how do I make it up to you?”

You pause, considering. “You said it wouldn’t happen again.”

“It won’t. I swear.”

“We’ll see,” you reply, smoothing down your dress. “Until then, maybe you should keep your distance.”

As the tension lingers between you, footsteps echo down the hall, approaching fast.

***

The trip was over. The team was ready for the presentation, which was in two days. You took a day off to rest, exhausted from working all weekend. As you lay on the couch, your phone buzzed.

“Mum.”

“Hey, sweetheart! How are you?”

“I’m good. How are you, Mum?”

“I’m fine. How’s work?”

“Work’s fine.”

“And when are you coming home?”

You sighed, knowing where this was headed. “Mum, you know I just got this position. I have to put in the extra hours now.”

“Yes, I understand, but you also need to rest, go on dates. You’re not getting any younger, sweetie. You need a man.”

“Mum…” you groaned, pinching the bridge of your nose. “I don’t need a man. I know I need to settle down at some point, but honestly, men these days… they’re not worth it.”

“You keep saying that, and you’ll grow old alone.”

“Mum, it’s not like I don’t want to be with someone. I just… I’m not ready to get my heart broken again.”

“I know, baby. But you have to keep your heart open. Step out there. You never know.”

“Okay, Mum,” you said, trying to end the conversation.

“So, is there anyone at all?”

You threw your head back and groaned, rolling your eyes. “Mum…”

“I need to know! This weekend, you better bring him home, or I’ll have to set you up with Richard—Mary’s son. He’s rich, you know.”

“Mum!”

“Unless you have someone you want to introduce…”

“I… I have someone.” The words slipped out before you could stop them. 

Silence. Then her voice returned, eager. “Did you say you have someone?”

“Uh… yeah, I have someone.”

“That’s wonderful! Tell me about him!”

Panic flooded your chest. “Well… he’s someone who understands me. He’s annoying, but in a way that makes me think about him all the time.” You were rambling now. “It’s early, though. I can’t say where it’s going, so—”

“Bring him to dinner this weekend. I want to meet him.”

“Mum, we’re not—” The call disconnected before you could explain. You stared at the phone in disbelief.

“Fuck. What did I just do?”

Meanwhile, across town, Aaron was driving to his father’s house, venting to his best friend, Brad.

“I don’t know how else to apologize,” Aaron muttered. “How am I supposed to stay away from her? I don’t want to. I can’t.”

“If that’s what she wants, you need to respect it,” Brad said from the passenger seat. “She has every right to stay mad. No matter how much you like a girl, you can’t pull stunts like that.”

Aaron sighed, pulling into the long driveway of his father’s mansion. He hadn’t stopped thinking about Scarlett since the last time they’d been together.

“When are you going to tell her you own the company?” Brad asked, eyebrows raised.

Aaron clenched the steering wheel. “When the time is right. She already feels some type of way about people like me.”

“What do you mean?”

“She thinks I’m some spoiled rich kid who’s never worked a day in his life. She hasn’t said it, but I can tell.”

Brad smirked. “To be fair, you are a douchebag sometimes.”

Aaron shot him a glare.

“Does she know the trip was all your idea?”

“She knows it was my idea. She doesn’t know it wasn’t the company that paid for it.”

“Dude, you have to tell her. Hiding this is going to backfire. If you care about her, you have to be honest.”

Aaron’s jaw tensed as he parked the car. “I don’t want to lose her.”

Brad followed him into the mansion, their footsteps echoing in the grand hallway. “You really like this girl, huh?”

Aaron paused, glancing at his friend. “Yeah. I do.”

***

Presentation day arrived. You walked into the room with your team, nerves coiling in your stomach. The competitors were already there, and you offered them a polite nod as you passed.

“Ma’am, are you nervous?” a team member asked, noticing your tense expression.

“Who isn’t?” you replied with a dry smile.

One of your teammates handed you a candy. “It’s a good luck sweet. My mum makes them.”

You shook your head. “Thanks, but I’d rather stay nervous. I’ll work through it.”

In your sleek black suit, you walked to the waiting area, your dark red stilettos clicking against the floor. When the man with the cards approached, you were last to pick. You got card B.

“Wanna swap?” you offered to the woman next to you, who had gotten card D.

“Really? Is that allowed?” she asked, eyes wide.

“Yes, it is,” the man confirmed.

With a grateful smile, she swapped cards with you.

As the other teams went in one by one, you waited, mentally rehearsing your lines. Finally, it was your turn.

You entered the presentation room with your team, your eyes scanning the unfamiliar faces—except for one. Aaron. His expression was unreadable, almost cold. You swallowed hard, pushing down any personal feelings as you approached the podium.

“Begin,” one of the judges said.

You started the presentation. The room was dimmed, charts and graphs flashing on the screen. As you spoke, you couldn’t help but notice how tired the panel looked, their faces unimpressed, perhaps already decided on a winner.

You motioned to Edward, your team member. “Lights.”

He dimmed the room even further. “Let’s skip the standard data and get to what really matters,” you said, clicking a button to play the video. An ex-convict appeared on the screen, recounting his wrongful imprisonment and the fifty years he’d lost behind bars.

You saw the judges sit up, their expressions shifting.

“She can’t stay at the branch office,” Aaron’s brother muttered. “I’m making her an offer to come to headquarters.”

Aaron shot him a glare. “Back off. She’s mine.”

His brother smiled slyly. “Oh, I don’t want the company. You won this round. I want her.”

Aaron clenched his jaw. “And I said no.”

The presentation ended with a round of applause. Your team was grinning, packing up their things, but your mind was elsewhere. You hurried out of the building, your heart still racing from the intensity of it all.

***

As you reached your car, you heard someone call out.

“Ms. Johnson.”

It was Aaron’s brother. “Let’s have a meal sometime,” he suggested.

You frowned. “Why?”

He smirked. “Talent scouting.”

“I refuse your curiosity,” you shot back, opening your car door. “I’m already working for your company.”

His smile faded slightly as he watched you drive off. “She has character. Hmm”

***

That evening, your doorbell rang. You opened it to see Aaron standing there, looking troubled.

“Hi, Aaron Smith… or is it Huntington?” you asked, your voice cool.

He sighed. “Can I come in?”

“No,” you said, but when he held the door, you relented, stepping aside to let him in.

He sat on the couch, but you stayed standing, arms crossed.

“You did great today,” he began, his voice soft. “Thanks to you, I got what I wanted.”

“Yeah, I figured,” you muttered, staring blankly at the TV.

“I couldn’t tell you who I really am because of the project. It wasn’t about you. No one at Communications knows.”

“Okay.”

“Scarlett, I—”

“You’re sorry,” you cut him off. “It’s fine. We’re not a thing, and you had your reasons. It’s cool.”

He sighed, rubbing his hands together. “That trip… was all arranged by me.”

“I know. Thank you for it. But I need a favor.”

He raised an eyebrow. “A favor?”

You took a deep breath. “My mum’s expecting me to bring home a boyfriend this weekend. So… I need to borrow you.”

Aaron chuckled, shaking his head. “Scarlett, you don’t have to borrow me. Why not just be my girlfriend for real?”

You stared at him. “We both know it won’t work.”

“Why not? Don’t you feel something for me?”

You swallowed, avoiding his gaze. “It’s not about what I feel. I don’t think I can handle what comes with those feelings.”

He moved closer, taking your hand. “I know I’ve messed up, but let me be in your life. I want you.”

“No,” you whispered, pulling away.

“Why are you always running? What are you so scared of?”

“I’m scared of being lost, okay?” You raised your voice, eyes burning with emotion. “I gave everything before, and I ended up broken. I don’t want that again.”

He stood, stepping closer. “Scarlett, I won’t hurt you. I love you. You’re all I think about. Let me in.”

Before you could protest, he kissed you.

He drags in a breath, as if he’s been waiting for this moment forever. You undo his buttons while he lifts your dress off your body, kneeling before you. His lips press against your panties, kissing you through the thin fabric. The sensation overwhelms you, and your legs tremble as you struggle to stand. You grip his head, fingers weaving through his hair, as he pulls your panties down and ravages your center with his tongue.

You sink to your knees, pulling him up to kiss him, tasting yourself on his lips.

His mouth trails down your neck while you unbuckle his pants. He cups your breasts, kissing your skin, his breath hitching at the warmth of your body against his lips.

You lean back on the grey rug, holding his gaze. He follows your lead, positioning himself between your legs. He enters you slowly, his lips still brushing yours. Each gentle stroke builds in intensity, his body moving in sync with yours, the air between you charged with desire. He pauses to meet your eyes, his mouth parted, breathing ragged. 

His brow furrows as his pace quickens, and you dig your nails into his back, urging him on.

His face buries in your neck as you moan his name, your legs wrapping around him, pulling him deeper. His movements grow more urgent, and you scream his name, feeling him grow harder inside you. Together, you reach the edge, collapsing into each other’s arms, both panting and spent.

***

You wake up in his arms, both of you naked under the soft white blanket draped over the couch. You try to slip away, but he pulls you closer, snuggling against you. You smile and murmur,

“Aaron, I have to pee.” He releases you reluctantly, and by the time you return from the bathroom, he’s already up, lounging on the couch with his phone in hand.

He looks devilishly handsome, his skin glowing in the morning light, his eyes dark and teasing as he watches you.

You hand him a cup of coffee from your machine. He takes a sip, then grins.

“Hmm, I love it. But I love you more.”

You smile, but there’s a hint of vulnerability in your eyes. “I love you too, Aaron,” you say softly.

He leans in and kisses you, his hand sliding up to your breast, but you stop him gently. “Is there anything else I need to know?” you ask, searching his face.

He hesitates for a moment, then shrugs. “Apart from the fact that my father’s a manipulative douchebag who pits his sons against each other to secure his legacy? And that I lost my mom when I was younger?”

Your expression softens. “Oh… I didn’t know. I’m sorry.”

He nods. “It’s fine.”

You shift, wanting to understand more.

“What about your ex? What happened there?”

“She moved abroad, long before I met you.”

“So, why were you so upset that night?”

Aaron sighs, his jaw tightening. “My dad said some really hurtful things to me. The worst part was… some of it was true. We had a huge fight, and I couldn’t stand to be in the same room with him any longer. I left and ended up at the bar. I thought I was miserable until I saw this beautiful woman. She was drunk, cursing at the bartender for cutting her off. She wouldn’t tell me what had happened to her, just asked my name and hugged me like she knew I needed it more than she did.”

You smile softly, realizing how much he remembered about that night.

“And your ex?” he asks gently.

You exhale, the memory still raw. “He broke up with me… because of his mom. I thought he’d stand up for me when it mattered most, but he chose his family over me. It made me feel like people from his world all behaved the same. His mom didn’t think I was good enough for him, and he didn’t fight for me. But honestly… fuck him. I don’t care anymore.”

Aaron holds your gaze, smiling. “I’m glad you don’t care anymore. Scarlett, you’re incredible, and I’m lucky to have you in my life.”

You smile back, warmth spreading through you. “I guess you are.” 

the end.

——-

Bonus part. 

“So…” he leans in and takes your lips again, his hand under his t-shirt that you are wearing, sucking in his breath at the warmth of your skin. “Come here,” he murmurs, pulling you in further to sit on him.

He pulls down his boxers, and you position yourself on his bulge. He takes in your grind, staring at you, pulling away your t-shirt, his eyes all over you, his hands squishing your breasts while yours rest on his smooth shoulder blades. You move so slowly, grinding him senseless. His breath grows heavier, your tension builds, his eyes go narrower, and more soft screams escape your lips. He leans into you and grabs your nape, kissing your lips—you moan into his mouth. Feeling the hotness and hollowness of your kiss amid the strokes, he can’t take it anymore. He wraps his manly arm around your hips, and in one swift move, he gets on top of you on the couch and thrusts so deep, so hard, so good that you forget what sanity feels like. You are stuck between the edge of madness, wanting more of him, and the fear of losing it completely. He kisses your jaw as he slows down, licks your throat, while your arms circle around him.

You hold his gaze and nod your head continuously as he stays at the steady pace. “Yes, Aaron, just like that, yesss, oh…” your mouth waters. “Yes! F** .” a soft cry accompanied by tears leaves you. He’s so good you’re feeling all of the emotion—how it would hurt if he ever leaves you, that another woman might get to experience this…

You barely contain your ecstasy, struggling to hear him groan in your neck, whispering sweet, incoherent nothings in your ears. “His hands rake through your hair as he moves up and down inside you. “Don’t leave me, Scarlett… I’m never letting you go. You’re mine, all mine.” He pauses and groans, looking into your eyes. “god, I love you so much” He goes faster until you both collapse in each other’s arms. And you sleep right after, his weight between your thighs.

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