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„That we need to figure this out amongst ourselves,” I say, sounding defeated.
„Exactly.”
She turns on her heels and marches through the open door, leaving it ajar, the echo of her threat lingering.
As the door swings closed, the weight of her ultimatum settles on my shoulders, and a bitter taste of betrayal lingers in the air. I know how stubborn my sister can be, which means I’ll have to find a way out of this.
But how?
Chapter 31
Claire
The air is buzzing with anticipation as I head to Aston’s place, my heart racing with the thrill of our secret meetings. Navigating the shadows has become my new routine, and I can’t deny my love for the thrill that comes with it.
We have been very good at keeping it together when we’re on campus, but I’ve been spending quite a few nights at his marvelous home. He always sends a cab, despite my protests, and we always make sure to never be seen in public together. I just hope to God that no one ever sees me standing on his doorstep, or coming out of his house in the morning. As thrilling as it is, I could definitely do without the constant fear of being discovered.
My excitement at seeing him dwindles when he opens the door and I’m met with a troubled look.
„Hey.” His attempt at a smile falls flat, and a weight hangs in the air, as I follow his invitation to come inside.
As I step into the familiar space, the scent of his cologne and the warmth of his home surround me, while Pi peeks around the archway in the back, happily meowing and coming to greet me when she realizes that it’s me. I go down on my knees to meet her, and when I get back on my feet to look at Aston, I realize that something is definitely amiss today.
„What’s going on? You seem…off?”
Aston hesitates, glancing away briefly before meeting my eyes. „It’s just family stuff. Nothing for you to worry about.”
Raising an eyebrow, I sense there’s more to the story. He helps me out of my coat, and his strong, warm hands rest on my shoulder with more weight than usual, almost pressing down on me.
I place my hand on top of his and turn around to greet him with a kiss, wrapping my arms around his neck.
„I’ve missed you,” I breathe, and he hugs me tightly. It’s so hard to be around him on campus and not be allowed to be too close to him, let alone touch him.
„I missed you, too,” he says, while digging his hands into my hair, gently pulling my head back for another kiss.
His tongue invades me with urgency, almost aggressively searching mine, while his breathing becomes erratic and I can feel him growing hard against my belly. I almost lose my balance because he comes at me with such force, but he keeps me in place by wrapping his arm around my back.
„Sorry,” he says, after breaking our passionate kiss.
„Don’t be,” I say. „But please tell me what’s bothering you. Maybe I can help?”
He shakes his head, shoulders slumping. „Come.”
Pi follows us into the living room, where I find the rest of the feline family curled up into a ball on one of the large cushions Aston must have bought for them. It’s placed on the floor next to the seating area of the living room, and it appears to be their favorite sleeping spot.
Aston opens a bottle of Champagne, before he joins me and Pi—who is now curled up on my lap—on the couch with two glasses filled with sparkling gold. This has become our routine as well, and it frightens me how quickly I got used to all of this. It has only been a couple of weeks since the winter formal, but it feels so right and comfortable, as if we’ve been together for years.
We settle on the large sofa, the air heavy with unspoken words.
I watch him closely, concern etched on my face. „So, what’s going on with you?”
„It’s my older sister, Mariah,” he starts, tension in his voice. „She’s…well she was recently appointed to become the CEO of the firm, now that my father is finally stepping down. And she’s very keen to change things and to increase growth, and she wants me involved in that.”
„Oh, how so?” I ask.
„She’s pushing for a collaboration between our department and the family business. Wants my students to create an algorithm that can be sold for profit.”
I nod, understanding sinking in. „Okay, I understand. But you don’t want to do that?”
