27. Friends?

Author's POV

The day was calm after that, as brothers got busy in work and Arabella focused on her tasks.

It was evening when they came back. She was cleaning the lawn. Her eyes refused to look anywhere else when they got out of the car. It's like watching two personalities of one face. Arthur was in formals like he always is, his style is like that. He is always in shirt and trouser except the time when he exercise, his coat would be always resting around him. On other hand Oliver rarely wears formals, his style is different with leather jackets, tshirts and hoodies with his expensive sunglasses.

Both have different styles but they are breathtakingly handsome and she was admiring them the way every girl would do. What impressed her the most is they are extremely disciplined men, their lifestyle and thinking is not as she thought criminals would have.

She was terrified but now she has come to the conclusion that they won't hurt her until she is in their good books so all she has to do is, do the things they ask for and be a good girl.

She quickly looked down and pretended to be focused on work when they walked closer. Arthur just smiled at her and went inside as it's Oliver's day. She smiled at him and looked at Oliver.

"Working hard, kitten?"

Oliver smiled and tapped on her nose tip.

She looked at his charming smile and blushed.

"Yes!"

He chuckled at her reaction.

"Ask Cami to make snacks for two!.. I'll come back."

Arabella nodded and informed Cami. She was helping Cami to set the table and noticed Oliver coming downstairs all freshened up.

He was in grey tshirt and the leather jacket was abandoned.

He sat at the table and Arabella poured a glass of juice for him.

He looked at her and the tiredness of the whole day flew away, her seren face felt like peace. The girl wasn't even doing anything to allure him, her innocent presence was enough.

She was wearing baggy jeans and sweater which had sunflowers on it, her smooth hair was tied in ponytail and loose strands were dangling on her face. Her cheeks were tinted pink which happens whenever she is around the brothers.

She was about to walk away but he grabbed her wrist and her dove like eyes stared at him confused.

"Sit!"

He pulled her on the chair beside her.

"Sir?"

She was confused.

"I need a partner. Accompany me!"

He smiled and placed the plate in front of her.

She smiled nervously.

"What will Chief eat if I eat his food?"

He chuckled at her cute posture, she was looking so tiny on the huge chair. Or maybe because the chair was normal but she is petite.

"It's not for him.. It's for you..."

"Why?"

She asked curiously.

"Because I like eating with you!"

He was finding her talking amusing. At least she was talking and saving her from her uncle has definitely built her confidence around him.

"Why?"

She smiled shyly.

"I'll tell you when you finish the food."

He gestured her to eat.

"How was your day?"

Arabella looked at the tasty food and grabbed her spoon.

"Good."

"What did you do for the whole day?"

He wanted to hear more of her voice.

She was focused on eating.

"I cleaned the lawn today... It was fun. Do you know that there was a nest on the tree. It has eggs too... But I guess there mommy went out and that's why they were alone."

Oliver was just staring at her in daze. This is the first time she is talking to him normally.

"Is it? We should fit bird feeder in the garden so they don't have to go far."

He suggested. He is not interested in feeding birds but for his girl he is ready to do all the things which he wouldn't do in normal situation.

"Ahaa!"

She grinned.

"I already did... Cami gave me old plastic bowl, I tied it on the tree. Now we just have to put food for them everyday..."

"You are smart, kitten."

He chuckled at her excitement.

She blushed.

"Thank you!"

He was enjoying her time with her and suddenly noticed that someone was watching them. His smirk widened when he looked at Arthur who was standing on the stairs.

Arabella's smile was burning him with jealousy, not because she is smiling but because she is smiling with Oliver.

"If you are done working then I'll drop you back."

Oliver ignored Arthur and looked at Arabella.

Her smile fell when she thought of sitting in the car again.

"No, I___"

"Don't worry."

He interrupted her.

"We will walk there. Garry told us that you don't like cars."

She released a relieved breath.

"But why would you walk just to drop me?"

Oliver realised that she does think logically and he can't just think that he can say whatever and she won't question. He needs to be prepared to tackle her curious questions.

"I need to go to the market and want to take a walk..."

She was anyways afraid of walking there alone after whatever happened in the morning.

"Okay!"

She informed Cami and decided to go back with Oliver.

It was already dark when they were on the road. The weather wasn't harsh so it was a good walking experience.

"Julie will freak out if she sees you."

He laughed.

"I didn't do anything to her."

She looked at him amused.

"You scared her."

"I didn't, Noah did! And your friend is little weird. She shouldn't have entered the gate when she knew that we are criminals."

He was still admiring her face under moonlight.

She stumbled on her way and he quickly grabbed her.

"So clumsy, hold my hand."

Arabella could feel her cheeks turn hot when he held her hand.

"She was s just curious but she is a nice friend. You will like her once you get to know her."

He shook his head in horror.

"I don't want to know her."

She giggled softly at his reaction, it felt like he is more scared of her than Julie is scared of him.

"Is Noah also your brother, he is always with you."

He chuckled at her question.

"He is like a brother to me. We grew up together. But he is my bodyguard."

"Why do you need bodyguard? You are already strong."

She sounded so curious.

"Because my father wants us to have bodyguards. That's the only reason."

He tightened his hold on her hand. The destination was close and he wasn't ready to let her go yet.

She saw Julie and waved at her.

"Thank you for dropping me."

She turned towards Oliver and waited for him to leave her hand.

He released a deep sigh and let go her hand but leaned closer and kissed her cheek.

"Good night!"

She froze and her whole face was on fire. He noticed her reaction and chuckled.

"We are friends now and friends always say good night to eachother like this."

She cleared her throat and nodded thinking there might be different rules in rich people.

She was debating if she should kiss his cheek back or not. And Oliver was waiting for her reply.

The tension was thick.