~Joan~
I stayed seated, making little conversation with Matthew, even though the awkwardness between us was palpable. I took the plastic cup from Matthew, taking a sip without a clue what it held.
The burn that followed told me it was scotch. Unexpected but impressive.
“So… when are you going back to work?” Matthew asked, leaning closer until our thighs touched. The closeness made my chest tighten with unease, but I tried to act normal and shrugged.
“Next week, maybe? I’ve been thinking of quitting, though. I can’t stay at the cafe forever,” I muttered, downing the drink in one go. A sharp pain flared in my lower stomach, making me grimace and shift uncomfortably in my seat.
Matthew didn’t seem to notice my discomfort. “Oh? Where are you thinking of working?” he asked, his tone carrying an edge I couldn’t quite place. Was it the scotch, or had his voice always sounded that dark?
I licked my lips, feeling his eyes dart to them instantly. “I don’t know yet,” I started to say, but the pain returned, sharper this time, tearing a wince from me. I pressed a hand to my stomach. Please, tell me this isn’t what I think it is.
“Are you okay?” Matthew’s hand brushed my arm, but I quickly nodded and pulled away.
“I’m fine. I just need to use the bathroom real quick,” I said, rising to my feet. My breaths came shallow, but I forced myself to stand straight.
“Let me come with you,” Matthew offered, his voice quieter now, but I shook my head.
“No, I-” I stammered, clutching my stomach as another wave of pain rolled through me. “I just want to be alone.”
“You’re not okay, Jo,” he said, concern etched on his face. “I’ll wait for you outside.”
I shook my head again and started moving away slowly, my legs shaky. I had no idea where I was heading, only that I needed to get away. My eyes darted around the crowded room, searching desperately for Rhoda. Where was she? I needed her now. Aaron wasn’t in sight either, though I could feel the weight of his gaze somewhere.
Finally, I decided to head upstairs, figuring Aaron’s bedroom would be less crowded and the bathroom there quieter. As I climbed the staircase, I heard footsteps behind me. I glanced back to find Matthew still trailing me, and frustration flared hot in my chest.
“Matthew?” I called, turning to face him. He tilted his head slightly, his brows knitting together.
“I just want to help, Jo. I mean it.”
“I know your intentions are good, but please, just… go,” I said, the pain making it hard to keep my voice steady. As I spoke, a figure emerged behind him. I blinked a few times, trying to make out who it was, though I already knew.
“She asked you to leave, didn’t she?” Aaron’s voice cut through the silence like a blade. Relief-however unwelcome-rushed through me at the sound of it.
Matthew spun around, coming face to face with Aaron, who was glowering at him.
“She’s my friend. She’s not feeling well,” Matthew shot back, his tone defensive. I gripped the staircase railing for support, my knuckles turning white as another wave of pain hit me.
Aaron’s gaze flicked to me, and though I couldn’t make out his expression through the haze, his presence steadied me. I bit down hard on my lower lip to keep from crying out.
“Get out. I’ll take care of her,” Aaron said flatly, brushing past Matthew to reach me. His hand gripped my arm lightly, offering silent support.
“You don’t even know her!” Matthew snapped. For his sake, I wished he’d stay quiet. Aaron was pissed, and nothing good ever came of that.
Aaron’s jaw tightened. “If you don’t want to find yourself in custody tonight, Mr. Lockwood, I suggest you leave. And when I say leave, I mean get the hell out of my building,” he said, his voice icy. He didn’t even look at Matthew as he tugged me gently toward him.
Matthew hesitated, his indignation flaring. “Custody? And how the hell do you know my last name?”
“For all I know, you might have poisoned the drink she took from you,” Aaron said, his tone calm but cutting. “And that’s something you can explain at the station. You have a minute to leave.”
The silence that followed felt suffocating. Finally, I heard retreating footsteps. Matthew was gone.
Aaron shifted his attention back to me, his arm steadying me as my body sagged against his.
I blinked sluggishly as he tied something around my waist, which I realized later was his jacket.
“You’re stained,” he muttered, his voice low. Mortified, I groaned and let my head fall against his chest.
White. I’d worn white. Of all the colors to wear when my period was due, I’d chosen white. Genius.
“Can you walk?” he asked, his voice breaking through the haze. I wanted to say yes, but my body refused to cooperate. I fucking hated this dysmenorrhea of a thing.
“I’m going to pass out, Thompson. I always pass out,” I mumbled. My voice sounded distant, even to me.
Aaron sighed but didn’t say a word. Instead, he scooped me into his arms and carried me effortlessly to the bathroom. I heard the door close and the lock click. Smart move.
He dropped me on the bed and I immediately curled into myself. I felt him leave and I was beginning to doze off before someone touched me.
“Open your eyes for me, kitten,” he muttered and I pried my eyes open to stare at him.
“I ran a hot bath for you,” he said. His voice was soothing, almost tender. “It should help with the pain. If we can get you out of your dress, we’re good to go. Okay?”
I stared at him, half-dazed. “That’s embarrassing, Aaron. Just get Rhoda for me,” I mumbled, but he ignored me and reached for the zipper of my dress.
“Aaron,” I protested weakly, but he didn’t stop.
“Rhoda might be in a room shagging her boyfriend. As disgusting as that sounds, it’s the truth. I haven’t seen her since he arrived,” he said, his hands working quickly but carefully.
I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. “Did you just say shagging?” I asked, amused despite myself.
He hummed in response, tugging the dress down to my waist. I stopped him before he went further. “I think I can manage the rest myself,” I muttered, blinking to clear my vision.
Aaron nodded and leaned back, giving me space. I climbed down the bed and walked into the bathroom.
It smelt really nice here. I undressed fully and stepped into the tub slowly, savoring the warmth of the water as it enveloped me. For the first time that night, relief washed over me.
I could have stayed there forever.
I’d probably dozed off, because once I opened my eyes, I saw Aaron coming in with a bathrobe and a towel.
“Sorry, I passed out,” I muttered, the water was cold now. How long have I been here?
He nodded and gave me the bathrobe.
“Dry up, I’d get Rhoda for you,” he said and made to leave but I stopped him.
“Uh, no need. I’d just rest a little and get going, ” I muttered, my voice was quiet. I met his eyes. “Thank you,”
He looked around awkwardly. Well, he wasn’t used to me being nice.
“This is the part where you say you’re welcome, Thompson, ” I said and he smirked before leaving the bathroom.
I stared at the bathrobe and towel. Even the hot bath and I immediately knew I wouldn’t be able to fight my attraction to Aaron for long.