Family Business

Beck *interlude*

I will be adding a few more details/interludes that I feel like advance the plot as I continue to edit this story with my editor. I don't want to miss out on details I feel are essential to the characters and the plot. Enjoy the new chapter :) 

December 2027

​​"This is Beck, your new security guard," Draven says as he comes into the kitchen. I had been eating some pasta that Fletcher helped me make but it was forgotten since I was intrigued by what Draven was telling me. Draven points to the man next to him, my eyes following his movement.

Beck was tall and had long hair that was tied back in a bun. He also had a lot of muscles that were visible under the tight shirt he was wearing. He crosses his arms and nods to me. "Why?" I ask, frowning.

"Because of everything that happened recently. We felt that you need someone around you to make sure that you won't get into any trouble," Draven explains, his tone serious.

"I'm Mama and Papà's favorite! I don't get into trouble," I say, making a face.

Beck's serious face breaks into a grin that he quickly fixes when Draven shoots him a glare. "It's for your safety and you don't have a choice," Papà says seriously from the other side of the kitchen.

I turn to look at him and then nod, "Okay, Papà."

"Let's let Beck and Aria get to know one another," Papà says. "Draven, I need you to come talk to me about-" He stops himself. "You know."

Beck sits down across from me as my family members leave the kitchen. "What are you eating?" He asks.

"Pasta," I say, gesturing to my bowl. "Fletcher helped me make it because Greta isn't really good at making pasta."

He nods slowly, "I see. Can I have some?"

I point to the big bowl on the counter and he gets up, taking a small bowl from the cupboard before serving himself. "Favorite color?" He asks as he walks back.

"Pink!" I chirp, taking a big bite of my pasta.

"Mine is orange," He sits across from me again. "Favorite animal?"

I pause, scrunching up my face as I think. "Elephants because Rafaa is an elephant."

Beck nods and fist bumps Mr. Harry as he walks over. "My favorite animal is probably a fox because they're very sneaky."

"I like tigers," Mr. Harry says, serving himself from the pasta bowl. He reaches in his pocket as I hold out my hand, handing me a candy bar. Beck raises his eyebrow, watching the interaction. "I owed her for losing Jenga," He explains, shrugging.

I grin and pocket the candy bar. "Who is your favorite princess?"

Beck's face turns serious as he ponders the question, "I think probably Cinderella," He explains. "Because she gets her fairytale ending."

"I like Ariel!" I say. "Because she gets to swim and be a mermaid."

"Good choice!" Mr. Harry says, nodding. "Being a mermaid is tough."

"What are we talking about?" Mr. Niall asks, walking in. His accent was thick so sometimes it was hard to understand him. He had spiky blonde hair and he always helped me play practical jokes on the other guards.

"Favorite Disney princesses!" I grin and wiggle around in my seat. I loved getting to interact with the guards because I was the center of attention. They always snuck me candy and made a point to make me feel special.

"Moana!" Mr. Niall says, sitting down. "She's got the island vibes going on and she doesn't take any shi- crap!"

Beck begins a heated argument with Niall about whether Cinderella or Moana had the "princess" thing down more. As the conversation began to shift away from me so I reach up, tugging Mr. Harry's sleeve and he looks down, raising his eyebrows. "I want to go play!" By now, most of them had finished their pasta.