Chapter Thirty-Six
Emberly's POV:
"Be careful darling, when you try to fix a broken person, you may cut yourself on their shattered pieces! Sophia was, is and will always be the most important person in his life. Don't you ever, even for a second, think you can replace her. If I couldn't, there's no way on earth, someone like you can." Her whole posture was still, yet her words were venomous.
I twisted my neck around so fast that I was certain I'd be feeling the effects of whiplash later. She walked out with a satisfied smile on her face.
I went back to the table, her words still stuck in my mind.
"Do you mind walking? It's not far, and we can walk along the beach." He asked as he paid the bill, leaving a hefty tip.
I shook my head. "That sounds nice."
A few minutes later, we were walking along the beach in the moonlight. I had my heels in my hand. It was the most relaxed I have ever been with him.
"I was thinking." I hesitated.
"Uh-oh." He grinned mischievously.
"If you really love Sophia, why would you sleep with other girls?" I blurted.
It was bugging me a lot. If he really loved her as he claimed, than why would he ruin the time he spent with her with some meaningless one-night stands? He shook his head and pressed his lips together, as if he didn't want to tell me.
"I'm sorry, that was totally personal. You don't have to answer me." I added quickly. I watched as his expression softened a little.
"It's not that easy to explain. After she left, I wanted to get rid of the memories that would haunt me everywhere I went. I wanted to shut myself from everyone. I thought girls were easy and I knew what I was dealing with now. They knew to expect nothing from me so they had zero expectations beyond what I offered. It was a just an escape and a mindless release. I never let anyone hold my emotions so they didn't have the power to use my emotions against me, again." He stopped walking and faced me.
His eyes searched mine. I usually see either heat or a teasing light in his eyes, but right now, neither were the case. They seemed...troubled. Like he was conflicted about something. It took every fibre of my being to not reach out my hand and touch his perfect face, to wipe away his sorrows.
"Do you still feel like that?" I asked, searching his face intently.
"I'm not sure but I feel I can face them now, instead of running away."
"Why is that?" His green eyes roamed my face before he let out a breath and answered.
"This girl came out of nowhere and demanded I sort my mess and she broke all the walls I built around myself for years, in just a few months. I can't believe how easy it was for her to do."
I wanted to scoff but held back. It would be rude. But it wasn't easy at all and I still believed there was so much more than what he had told me. The walls might have cracked a little, but they were still there.
"Why me?" I shifted uncomfortably, aware of just how close I was to him. My breath caught suddenly, his eyes noticed my movement and my cheeks flushed with heat.
Crap!
"Because there is something about you. I can't figure out if it's a good thing or not." He reached out to push my hair back over my shoulder. His fingertips lingered on the skin of my neck before they fell away. I tried not to smile widely.
"What's so special about her anyway?" I allowed myself to steal a glance at him then turned away quickly. He stared right at me, piercing me with those green-coloured eyes.
"She was one of a kind. She stood by me when no one else did. She believed in me. And you know what they say?" He said solemnly, all traces of humour leaving his voice.
"What?" I asked him, feeling a little breathless.
"When a Raymond falls for someone, they fall hard. They get really intense. Not everyone is ready for a relationship." He replied with a wry smile.
"What the heck did she do to you?" My heart squeezed but I pressed further, needing to delve deeper.
He looked up at the sky and squinted down at me but never replied. We stayed quite for a bit, just enjoying each other's presence. Remembering something, I turned my smiling face to him.
"You know what Arran? When I used to be little, I always wanted to be a star. It used to scare the shit out of my parents. It didn't help that I had a friend called Molly for years, who never existed. They signed me up for therapy."
"So you were born like this?" He asked me with an amused grin.
I looked up then, and stared in awe at the glittering array of stars in the sky. "It's so beautiful." I breathed. "I wish I could just reach out and pluck one out."
Arran was very silent beside me, and when I looked at him, he too was studying the sky.
"Love knows not distance; it hath no continent; its eyes are for the stars." I murmured.
"Gilbert Parker." He sounded impressed. I smile widely at him and he held my eyes with his penetrating gaze.
"I'm glad I met you." He reached out for my empty hand. He brought my palm up to his mouth and placed a kiss in the centre. My skin tingled in response.
"Me too. Even though you scare the hell out of me sometimes."
"What? No I don't." Arran scoffed unbelievingly.
"Yes you do. I don't know what to expect from you sometimes." I muttered. "I feel like I'm always lecturing you, but you don't change yourself for others. I like... this. I know, without even knowing you, that your family loved the old Arran. And even now they still love you for who you are. It's okay to keeps your guard up, but it may be hurting your family. They miss you and they love you a lot." I stared straight ahead. "Just remember, there are plenty of fish in the sea." I met his gaze and grinned.
Mr Raymond would do anything for his happiness. Heck, he hired me and asked me to make him fall in love. Arran's mother, even though I had not met her properly, cared for him deeply and deep inside she was feeling guilty about something that was related to him. Cassie was the one who affected me most. She missed her younger brother a lot more than she let on. His grandmothers were adorable and protective over him. They all would do anything to make sure he wasn't hurt again. I was sure he knew how blessed he was to be loved and cared by so many people.
"Of course they do, have you seen me?" Even though his lips were quirked up in a small smile, his eyes held sadness. He was still hurting and there was nothing I could do to stop it.
"Yeahhhhhh. I don't think so! You are not all that!" I took few steps away.
"What? You were practically drooling when you saw me for the first time." He laughed, low and wicked.
I stopped. "What- I did not!" I said, horrified.
"Did so!" A twinkle of amusement glinted in his eyes. "There is nothing to be shy about, Emberly. I do get that reaction all the time."
"I was caught off guard. I thought you would be a miserable old guy. You were, just not old. But I did not drool." I explained myself.
"I was not miserable...?" He scrunched his brows, a tiny frown appearing on his face. I had to halt when he stopped to face me and wait for clarification.
"You yelled at me on my first day. Who does that? And you broke my phone." I reminded him, playfully nudging him.
"At least I wasn't looking like a exact replica of Bambi? You looked so frightened and..."
"Wait what...? Bambi? Seriously?" I threw my head back laughing.
"Belle." He stated matter of factly but I could see his ears reddening.
"Sure. How old are you anyway?" I teased him.
"Har-har!" He looked away, but I caught him smiling.
"Oh my god. This is so adorable." I pinched his cheeks and cooed. He scowled playfully. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me against him tightly. I gripped the soft material of his shirt.
"You know what else is adorable?" His lip quirked and he lowered his voice to a husky hum.
"Hmm?" My heart fumbled a beat and my cheeks felt warmer than before.
"That." He smiled at me softly. His warm breath wafted over my lips, the soft touch making my lips apart. His head lowered and his mouth moving toward my lips.
"Nu-uh." I stopped him by placing my hand on his shoulders.
"What?" He stopped and searched my eyes.
"You have to catch me first?" I bit my lips softly and pressed a squeal.
"What?"
"I said you have to catch me first." I managed to wriggle free from his embrace and ran. The breeze was brushing against my face, the rush made my heart thump loudly.
"Oh, you better run fast." He warned me, running behind me.
From the corner of my eye, I saw him catching up. He was close and gaining ground with each long stride. Suddenly, his arms tightened around her my waist, holding me up. This time I couldn't constrain the squealed that left from my lips.
"Is that the best you can do?" He whispered in my ear. He slid me back down his body so my toes reached the ground. He turned me around slowly. Our eyes collided and the impulse hit me. Without even realizing, I ran my fingers over the lines of his face, loving the way he looked when he was relaxed.
"You're beautiful." "I whispered my thoughts out loud and met his eyes. I touched his jaw with my fingers. He closed his eyes briefly and laughed. Momentarily, I was horrified at my own bluntness but when he laughed, I felt a little at ease. There must be something wrong with the air. I was acting drunk without even having one.
"No one has ever said that to me before. But I do remember you saying it to me once."
"Nuh-uh I don't think so." I said softly. I might be acting crazy but there was something about him tonight. I couldn't quite put my finger on it but whatever it was, I loved it.
My fingers were now skimming his bottom full lip. He took a sharp intake and bit my finger softly. He caught my wrist, pulling my caressing hand away from his face. If it was possible, he moved even closer. He smiled at me, bringing his face close to mine, where I could see every crease in his skin, every freckle, and every thorn of stubble. His scent was everywhere around me. He was lightly brushing his lips against mine and I knew I needed the kiss too, desperately. My pulse was beginning to drum and just when I parted my lips, he pulled away. I frowned slightly but said nothing.
"Let's get you back, Cinderella." He created distance between us and I instantly felt cold but when his words registered in my mind, I clutched my stomach and laughed.
"You will be the death of me." I said, after gaining a control of myself.
He stiffened and his whole posture changed instantly. His face clouded and I froze. The blood running through my veins turned to ice. Had I said something to ruin this moment? Had I reminded him of Sophia? Shit. I swallowed hard and glanced down. Way to ruin the moment!
"Don't do that." He jerked his head toward the sky and sighed deeply.
"Do what?" I asked, confused.
"You have that look on your face?" He ran a hand through his hair, tilting his head back.
"What look?"
"As if I've told you to fax something." He stared at me steadily, while one corner of his mouth curled upward.
I laughed. "You have to change that fax machine or teach me how to use it. I am so bad at using that."
"Really? You don't say!" He mocked me and I punched him lightly. We walked back to the restaurant and drove back to the hotel. The tension was visible between us, and it made my heart pound and my palms sweat. The anticipation of something unknown was killing me. Are we going to carry on where we left off? Carry on what exactly? Am I doing the right thing? I just knew a little proportion of his life. Am I rushing things between us?
We stopped at the door to my room. We both were silent and just stared at each other for a few seconds or maybe more. We both were drowned in our thoughts. It felt like forever, yet not long enough before I had to break it. He put his fingertips on my cheek, brushing his thumb on my lower lip. I could only focus on my stammering heartbeats that were audible in my ears as I noticed his white gold cufflinks from the corner of my eye. His hands were magical, igniting a fire inside my body. He ran his fingers along my jaw, and then kissed the top of my head and I couldn't help but sigh softly. He lowered his gaze on my lips and frowned slightly as if he wanted to do something but he couldn't bring himself to do it.
"Good night Emberly. I had a great time. Thank you." He kissed my forehead once more and turned around. Soon I was facing his back and watching him walk away.
Wait a second.
That's it?
That's freaking it?
Just a kiss on a forehead?
I heard the soft thud of his door closing and without thinking; I took small steps toward his room. I could feel my head getting ready to explode. I had a strong urge to finally follow my instincts but I was nervous. I took another step toward his room, building up the nerve to just do it. A strange, unfamiliar feeling opened inside of me. I knocked on his door twice and waited. After a while, he opened the door and seemed confused to see me.
"Did you forget something?" Concern etched over his face.
The black shirt was half way open, revealing the skin of his chest. I felt a lovely ache that went right down to my soul, and I forgot everything except that moment.
"Yeah, I did." I swallowed, my voice shaking a little.
I knew that what was about to happen would change everything between us. And for once, I was looking forward to it.
"What?"
"This."
I got on my tiptoes and pressed my lips against his, hushing him and melting our bodies together. My skin was covered in goose bumps as I wound my arms around his neck, sliding my fingers into his hair and clutching him close.
Instinctively, he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me in closer until our bodies were plastered together. His touch made me lose any train of logical thoughts that I had left inside my head. All my doubts and concerns went flying out the window. Yet, I was aware of how unresponsive he had become. He stood still, very still. I broke the kiss and repeated something that he had said to me a while ago.
"Uhm, this is where you are supposed to kiss me." I nipped his bottom lip playfully.
Instantly, his lips covered mine. His tongue probed the seams of my lips, and then dove in without a warning. He picked me up and I yelped in surprise. My legs automatically wound around his waist so that I wouldn't fall back. My hand clutched his shoulder, the other in his hair. One of his hands held me from my rear; the other went up my back and into my hair. Then he tugged my hair to tilt my head while his went the other way. The kiss was hot and wild. He started walking and I felt the wall at my back and his heat hit my centre as I moaned into his mouth. His mouth was soft and sweet and his tongue was warm and damp as it tangled with mine. I was starving for him and I wanted more. I wanted everything he could give me.
He pulled his mouth away and set his forehead to mine. He whispered my name; his voice was deep and sexy as I parted my lips, breathing into him. The slow burn deep in my belly was flaming higher. My breaths were becoming erratic from having him this close to me. He connected his lips once more with mine and this time I lost count of the time. God knows, how long we've been kissing. Seconds, minutes or hours. I couldn't remember. He broke the kiss and I leaned my forehead against his, our breathing was out of control and loud.
"If you want me to stop, then I suggest you to tell me right now." He groaned when my hands touched his bare chest. I could feel the muscles tense under my touch and it fascinated me. "Otherwise, I wont be able to stop myself. Fuck, you are driving me crazy." Holding my wrists, he buried his face in my hair and whispered. My knees wobbled when he set me on my feet. He tightened his grip around my waist, pulling me in close.
"I won't." I manage to say between the pants. A moan laced with ecstasy tumbled from my lips when his brushed against my jaw.
"Huh?" Arran whispered. I leaned back to meeting his eyes, falling into their stormy depths.
"I wont ask you to stop." He sucked in his breath and let it out slowly before trailing a path of kisses down my jawline, moving to my neck. He stopped and searched my eyes. I nodded, assuring him.
He pulled my bottom lip into his mouth and sucked gently. We kissed again, and he let my wrists go so he could hitch my legs up around his waist again. He pushed me against the wall, bracing my hands above my head. We kissed until we were both drunk with lust.
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I have two people to thank for this chapter. Mia for editing and my cousin, for making it more exciting by adding more emotions.
Thank you so much for still loving this story and for the support. The comments on last chapters truly overwhelmed me. I seriously cannot thank enough. I love reading the long detailed one, the sarcastic one and the funny one :D you guys are hilarious and so sweet x my email box kept pinging the whole week :D x
As I promised here is the next chapter (even though I am lil late). What can I say? I am like Obito :P I don't do it deliberately, it just happen. (Naruto reference)
Oh many people assumed I'm 15 for some reasons :S I am not 15 :) in fact I'm getting old :'(
Have fun, enjoy this chapter :D and I already feel guilty for another cliff-hanger :( but I promise to update as soon as I am done with my last exam. Many people are questioning how come Arran changed over a night well I will explain it in his point of view pretty soon x
So yeah enjoy, vote, share and comment x
Love, Ameerah x