03

03

Bella Reyes

I rolled out of my Honda Civic in front of the huge house and shut the door. This poor car was getting way too old and squeaky. I bought it with money I had saved up myself, knowing early on that I’d be completely on my own for college thanks to my irresponsible mom. Buying this beat-up little baby was the best decision I ever made.

Tyler was right. This place was massive and screamed money. An arrogant jerk could easily live here.

Then it hit me. I had completely forgotten to ask Tyler one crucial question.

Was the asshole even home?

How could I have forgotten that?

I pulled out my cracked phone to type out the question. It was a little late for that, but I sent it anyway. Thank goodness Tyler’s reply came back almost instantly.

“The asshole is probably at practice. Just go in and grab it. Thanks, babe. You're the best.”

A small smile spread across my lips, though the biting cold air quickly snapped me out of it.

Tyler had guessed right. The front door was completely unlocked. It must've be nice living in such a safe, wealthy neighborhood. It was eerily quiet, too.

Inside, the air smelled strange. It was a blend of rich scents that, instead of twisting my stomach, somehow relaxed me. It made me feel like I could easily curl up and fall asleep in the crisp, quiet space, as if it were my own sanctuary. But I had a mission to complete, and I needed to move.

It had to be the fancy central air and the atmosphere of elite wealth. When was the last time I had stepped foot into a place like this? I couldn't even remember.

I started moving through the house, my eyes scanning the couches and coffee tables. I spotted plenty of things tossed around, but no sign of a laptop anywhere.

My fingers tapped against my phone screen again.

“Remind me what your laptop looks like again.”

Tyler’s typing bubbles danced on the screen. I found myself sinking onto the couch, which was surprisingly plush and soft. For a split second, I actually entertained the silly thought of swapping it with mine, but that would be stealing, and I wasn't a thief.

My phone pinged with an image, refreshing my memory. If I had caught even a glimpse of it earlier, I would have recognized it right away. It was his usual laptop.

“I can't find it. Where exactly did you leave it?” I texted him.

I closed my eyes and breathed in the scent of the room. There was something about this place that made me just want to rest my head and call it a night.

Another ping.

“I don't remember. Where are you? Have you checked the rooms?” he added.

Was he out of his mind? Why would I wander into a stranger’s bedroom to search through his things?

I snapped a picture of the living room and sent it over.

“Maybe the asshole moved it,” Tyler replied.

“What if he tossed it or something? He clearly has the money to replace it,” I typed back.

“He wouldn't dare. Wait a sec, I'll text you.”

Yeah. Call him and ask him where he moved it, I thought silently, too groggy to even type it out. I shut my eyes, practically hallucinating, because there was no way I was actually hearing Tyler’s voice beside me right now.

When had he gotten here?

I blinked my eyes open slightly at the warm touch on my skin, but they fluttered shut again.

“Tyler…” I barely managed to breathe out.

“You smell so delicious,” a voice murmured. His breath fanned across my neck, and paired with the cold air already brushing over me, I instinctively reached up, pressing my hands into his hair to pull him closer.

That scent. “When did you get here?”

His lips grazed the side of my neck, and a quiet giggle slipped out of me. “Did you want to surprise me?”

The warmth of his skin flushed against mine as he shifted higher, his lips trailing up to the base of my jaw. His hot breath fanned over my mouth, letting me know just how close he was, that distinct scent overwhelming my senses again.

As my mind spun in a haze, he pressed his lips gently against mine. My eyes closed completely. The heat of his mouth deepened the kiss, sending a sudden jolt through me that made me pull back, breaking the contact.

“Wait, I'm sorry,” I laughed softly, feeling disoriented. “You smell different, and my head… I'm just…”

I pulled away from his lips, letting my head fall back against the couch cushions, when the loud ping of my phone jerked me back to reality.

My eyes shot open. The figure sitting right next to me, practically on top of me, made my jaw drop.

It wasn't my imagination. The kiss, the heat… it was real.

I touched my fingers to my swollen lips. “Who the hell are you?”

“Shh, no cussing, freak.”

Freak? My brows pulled together in confusion. I scrambled backward, grabbing my phone off the cushion to look at the screen.

It was a text from Tyler: “Seen it, babe?”

My heart began pounding against my ribs like a trapped bird. What had I just done?

“Don't call me that,” I said, scrambling to my feet. I quickly pulled down my shirt and wiped at my neck, panic rising in my throat.

What on earth had I just done?

The stranger looked up at me, his eyes dark and unreadable. “You're Tyler’s girl, aren't you?”

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady. “Yes, of course. Why?” I demanded, trying to sound braver than I felt. “I came to get his laptop. And who are you?”

“Aries.” He smirked, looking entirely unbothered. “The owner of the house you just broke into. Nice to meet you, burglar.” He extended his hand for a handshake.

I ignored his hand, casting a quick glance around the massive room before fixing my gaze back on his face. No wonder he had gotten into a fight with Tyler. He was insufferably arrogant.

“Well, I'm not a burglar, and you already know who I am. Tyler sent me here to grab his laptop.” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Where is it?”

“A laptop, huh?” He let out a dark, mocking laugh. “Or maybe he sold you for some…” He rubbed his thumb and index finger together. “…for some quick cash.”

“What? No.” I shook my head, stepping back.

“Oh, sweet girl. You really don't believe me?” He tilted his head, his silver-gray eyes glinting with a dangerous edge. “Wanna see for yourself?”

My chest tightened as I stared at him. What was he saying? Tyler loved me. He would never do something like that to me.