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10ArabellaThe week has passed in a haze of classes and homework. Of papers and research, but I’ve enjoyed every moment. When I make my way downstairs, I find Aunt Midge sitting at the dining room table, poring through pages of documents.
“Hi,” I greet, leaning in to press a kiss to her cheek.
“How’s my favorite niece?” she asks, offering me a smile as she sits back and sets her pen down. The amount of paperwork looks daunting, but I settle in beside her.
“I’m good. A little nervous for this date.”
“It’s not some party you’re going to is it?”
Shaking my head, I assure her, “No. Ahren Donati is taking me out. We’re just going for a drive. He’s going to show me the town.”
She watches me for a long while before nodding. “Fine. Be home at ten.”
“I promise.” I stand, smoothing down my pants before I glance at my phone. It’s almost time for Ahren to pick me up, and I have to admit I’m nervous. I haven’t been on a date in a long time. And I’m not sure what to expect with him. I promised myself I’m going to try to enjoy this evening and give Ahren a real chance. He’s not Elian. But the more I mull it over in my mind, I realize the younger guy will be a better choice. For one, he’s not my teacher, but also, he’s closer to my age.
The rumble of the motorbike at the gate alerts me that he’s arrived. Ahren kills the engine when he sees me, and he tugs off his helmet. Dark eyes lock on mine and a smile dances on his lips. “Hello, pretty girl,” he greets me with a wink, which I must admit makes my stomach tumble with butterflies.
“Hi.” I grab the offered helmet from Ahren and pull it on. Once I’m on the seat behind him with my arms wrapped around his torso, he pulls down the road. I can’t deny the feel of his toned abs has me blushing. Each dip and peak under my fingertips sends heat sizzling through me. The warmth of him wrapping itself around me, and for a moment, I enjoy how we mold to each other.
The streets are quiet, making him go faster as we weave through the town and out onto a mountain track which winds toward what I’m guessing is the actual reason for the town’s name.
We climb higher and higher, and my heart is pumping wildly in my chest. The speed, the freedom as the wind whips against me, everything about it is exhilarating. Ahren finally comes to a stop and kills the rumbling engine. He helps me off the bike before kicking out the stand.
“What are we doing up here?” I ask, but he shakes his head, placing an index finger over his full lips. He laces his fingers with mine as he leads me down a trail. “If you’ve brought me up here to kill me, you should know, I’m well versed in how to defend myself,” I tell him with nervous energy drenched in every word.
“Ha,” Ahren laughs out loud, the sound vibrating through his chest, deep and gravelly. “If I were going to kill someone, I wouldn’t bring them anywhere near the town I live.” We come to a deep ridge on the side of the mountain, and when I look out, I know why he brought me here.
The town is sprawled out with glittering yellow and gold lights. “This is incredible.” I can tell exactly where the school is, and I can even make out where the party house is, Alistor’s home. It’s not the biggest town I’ve seen, I’m used to a city, but this is magical, just from where we’re standing.
“I thought we could come up here and talk,” Ahren says. When I glance over my shoulder, I find him staring at me. He knows—he must—that I like his brother. I’m sure it’s obvious since I haven’t really hidden it from anyone.
“Talk about what?”
“Come on.” Ahren grins. “Are you going to deny you’re into Elian?” he challenges, his dark eyes holding me hostage. I pray he can’t really see the heat that burns on my cheeks because I’m certain they’re bright red. “I thought so.”
“He’s my teacher. That’s all there is to it. And it’s against the rules even if I did.”
“Rules are always meant to be broken,” Ahren says, taking a step closer to me. He reaches for my face. Cupping my cheek in his palm, he swipes his thumb over my lower lip, and for a moment, I want to lean up on my tiptoes and just kiss him.
But I wait.
“And when rules are broken, they can be twisted until they suit you.” His voice is merely a whisper. He leans in farther, and I don’t move, because I want something real. I want to break the rules. “And I need to do this before I say anything more.”
