NOAHHere I was thinking nothing could scare this woman beneath me, the way her eyes open makes me chuckle but my laughter soon dies down when he pulls me by my hand towards the storage room. Why am I getting thrown into a storeroom? I clean my lips as she shoves me into the room, "Please, keep quiet, please," she begs closing the door. I lean back on the wall noticing the door has a see-through window, perfect for spying. I watch as Aria rushes to tidy up the living room, her face flushed and her hair disheveled. She's trying to erase any evidence of our encounter, but it's too late for that. I can't help but chuckle to myself as I watch her frantically straighten up the couch cushions and smooth out her dress. She's so adorable when she's flustered.Just then, the door opens and Aria's mother walks in, a look of concern on her face. "Aria, dear, I was worried about you. I called out and you didn't answer," she says, eyeing the room suspiciously.Aria forces a laugh and waves her

NOAHThe next morning, I wake up with a migraine, I roll on my belly and check the time on the alarm clock on my bedside table.7:20 am.I switch it off knowing that by 7:30 AM it will be blaring horns in my ears.A knock falls on the door as I rub the sleep off my eyes, who could be knocking this early?"Noah?" My mother calls out from outside. "I am sorry to disturb your sleep but there is something you need to see," she says. "Can't it wait?" I groan."It's about Aria," my mother says, her voice laced with concern.Aria? I am out of bed even before my mind registers her words. I open the door and my mother doesn't hesitate to hand me her phone. Boldly written on the covers is "Mr. And Mrs Hayes has been in a fatal car accident."A live video is playing showing their damaged car being towed and blood stains plastered on the floor. My eyes widen as I take it all in, Aria had spoken to her mother yesterday. How did this happen? I hand my mother back to her phone and rush into the ba

NOAHIt's been a week since I last saw Aria, she has not responded to my text message, nor is she picking up my calls. Lately, I have only been opportune to see her on the news regarding managing her parent's company alongside her brother. I have tried to concentrate on work, to accept that it's normal for her to want space, to not speak to me, but I just can't. I know the reason we connected was because of the bet, but I genuinely enjoyed her company, and I can't help but feel a sense of loss. I miss our conversations, her laughter, and her smile. I've tried to distract myself with work, but nothing seems to fill the void. I've even found myself watching the news, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, just to see how she's doing. I know I shouldn't be feeling this way, but I can't help it.I look over at the papers before me running my fingers through my hair, why can't I get her off my head? A knock falls on the door interrupting my thoughts and I lift my head to find Melissa stepping

ARIAI flinch at the loud noise, and Noah's eyes narrow, and his jaw clenches, "Aria," Noah calls out my name, like anything I say right now will be his final decision on what he needs to do.I look between the two men, my heart aching. Ben is looking at me with expectation, and Noah with desperation. I feel trapped like there's no right choice. I open my mouth to speak but before I can Noah places his hand on mine, I look at his hand, my body suddenly feeling hot at the touch of his skin. My heart races and for a moment, I forget where I am. I look up into Noah's eyes, seeing the pain and hope there.My mind goes back to that moment in my house, the way he had kissed me so passionately like it was the last, the things he had done to me. Our little conversation but it.... It wasn't real. It was all because of the bet. I was hellbent on seducing him and he was too, and this, this behavior of his must be because of the bet. He must be here because he needs to make sure he knows that h

ARIA"Aria, please," he whispers, his eyes pleading. "Don't deny it. I know you feel it too. The connection between us is real." I try to speak, but my voice is trapped in my throat. I'm trapped, literally and figuratively. His body is inches from mine, his face so close I can feel his warm breath on my skin. I'm trying to process everything, but my mind is a jumbled mess. The bet, the money, the kiss, his confession...it's all too much. "Noah, please," I whisper back, trying to sound firm but my voice comes out shaky. "Step back. Give me space. I..I can't breathe."He remains still, his eyes locked on mine, he places his hand on my chin and lifts my head so he can look me dead in the eyes, "That's exactly what you do to me Aria, the thought of being away from you, the thought of having someone else touching you or even looking at you the way I do."I feel my heart pounding so loud that I can hear it in my ear, "Tell me you don't feel it and I will take you back right this minute,"