Lucas
I can’t fucking believe Aria didn’t come to school today. I went to her department like three times to check on her ass, but she still didn’t show up. And when I asked Mia and Lily, they just shrugged and told me to call her myself. Real fucking helpful.
So yeah, she’s mad at me. And I get it-I really let things get out of hand over a dumbass argument. I’m so fucking stupid.
To make things worse, she didn’t even come back to the apartment last night. And when I finally swallowed my pride and asked Theo, he told me she was pissed I left without her. Fucking great. I really screwed up this time.
Lectures are dragging, and I can’t concentrate for shit. Every equation on the board looks like Aria’s name. My baby. I miss her. But my dumbass ego wouldn’t let me mind-link her first. Now, here I am, sitting in a boring-ass class, miserable as fuck.
The second the lecture ends, I grab my bag and get the hell out of there.
“Lucas, hey! Wait up.”
I roll my eyes before I even turn around. Damon’s voice. And judging by the footsteps, Theo’s with him.
I turn to face them, not in the mood for their bullshit.
“Where you running off to? We have a math lecture,” Theo says.
“Fuck that,” I mutter. “I need to check on Aria. She didn’t come to school today.”
Damon raises a brow. “Good call, man. Mia said she was fucking pissed yesterday.”
“Yeah,” Theo adds, nodding. “She was especially mad you left without her.”
I scoff. “She left without me first.”
They both give me the look. You know, the ‘quit being a dumbass’ look.
“Okay, fine,” I grumble. “I was wrong. Happy now? See ya tomorrow.”
I don’t wait for their response…I turn on my heel, flag down a cab. As I slide into the backseat, I let out a sigh. I’m so over taking taxis. At first, it felt kind of thrilling, but now? It’s just exhausting. I swear, I’m using my next three months’ salary to buy a damn car.
As the taxi weaves through traffic, my mind drifts to Aria. How the hell do I apologize?
By the time I get to Aunt Esther’s apartment, I’m already rehearsing my apology in my head. I mean, I did promise Aria I’d visit my dad, so I don’t even know why I acted like a total dick about it. I guess I’m just still so fucking pissed at him. Forgiving him feels impossible.
I exhale, shake the thoughts away, and press the doorbell.
Aunt Esther answers, giving me a knowing look. “Took you long enough.”
“Yeah… is Aria in?”
She nods. “Do I even want to know what this is about?”
“It’s nothing serious,” I say, scratching the back of my neck.
She rolls her eyes. “Kids.” Then she steps out, leaving the door open for me. “I’m going out. Try not to kill yourselves.”
I step inside and shut the door behind me.
Big mistake.
Because the second I turn around, Aria is standing there, arms folded, her expression pissed.
“Why’d you close the door?” she snaps. “I don’t want you here.”
I smirk. Yeah, right.
She’s wearing tiny ass shorts and a sports bra, and fuck, she looks so good I feel my dick twitch in my jeans. The way those shorts cling to her ass should be a crime. And her tits in that bra? Goddess help me.
I swallow hard, forcing my gaze up to her face. “You sure about that?” I ask, stepping closer.
“Stay back.” She puts a hand up like a damn traffic cop.
I ignore it. Another step closer.
“Lucas, I swear-”
Now I’m right in front of her, our bodies almost touching. She inhales sharply, her chest rising and falling way too fast for someone who doesn’t want me here.
“If you really wanted me gone,” I murmur, my lips just inches from hers, “why haven’t you stepped back?”
Her breathing hitches. Her scent wraps around me…sweet, warm, fucking intoxicating. I missed this. Missed her.
“It doesn’t matter,” she says, but her voice isn’t as firm as before. “I don’t want you anymore.”
Liar.
I tilt my head, studying her. “You sure about that?”
She lifts her chin defiantly. “Positive.”
Yeah, that’s fucking cute.
“Then I guess I need to change your mind.”
Before she can react, I grab her waist and pull her against me, gripping that perfect ass and squeezing hard. A gasp leaves her lips…one that turns into a moan when I push her back against the wall, caging her in.
Her fingers curl into my shirt, tugging me closer, her body arching into mine.
“Lucas…” she whispers, her lips parting slightly.
“Say you don’t want me,” I challenge, my voice low as I trail my fingers along her bare waist. “Say it, and I’ll stop.”
She swallows, her breathing ragged. “Shut up and kiss me.”
“Fuck.”
My lips crash against hers, and she melts into me, her hands tangling in my hair as she kisses me like she’s been starving for it.