Strong For Too Long Trilogy ✔️

13. Tricking Him

CHAPTER 13: Tricking Him

I stare out into the rain. It was past mid-day and while I knew many of them were getting ready. Harrison printing invites for the ball. I watch the rain, as if hypnotised, even while Aaron steps out of the room in front of Tobias, Reynolds and Branson, all of them in their own suits. I stand in my jeans and simple black t-shirt, short-sleeved.

"She needs to be far stronger, Lucinda." I overhear, the female in charge, her voice like that of an older memory, like I'd vaguely walked past her in a supermarket. That kind of voice.

"We could hurt her permanently. I don't advise this."

Masculine hands slide down my hips before moving back up and under my folded arms, he slides his head in next to mine, flushing his chest to my back. I lean my head on his broad shoulder and inhale, "I adore that cologne." I murmur to him, cognac brown eyes look down to my emerald green ones in with such a warm look, he pecks my nose first, before lowering his lips to mine. I pucker my dry lips against his, ignoring the fact we had an audience and almost sinking into his chest as I turn to face him, sliding my arms around his neck, he tilts his head to the side a little and with a small amount of fervour, he sighs in content against my lips, nuzzling his forehead into mine when Pierce clears his throat purposely. I slide my fingers against Aaron's neck while he keeps me flush against him. Everyone was here, everyone either watching in a clear, visible manner, or others trying to be discrete.

I cup Aaron's cheek staring up into his eyes, he rubs my lower back gently, "You looked like you were in your own little world, hmm." He whispers down to me.

I nuzzle up into him, "Just thinking." I murmur.

He studies me, I tie my arms around his neck, standing on my tip toes in his arms, "Hopefully not about a certain Grayson." He says, slowly.

I roll my eyes, "It was one peck."

"I don't share." He murmurs, cupping my cheek gently as his thumb runs under my lower lip.

"Neither do I." I retort.

He raises an eyebrow, "I've kissed one girl, honey. How many males have you kissed?" He says, slowly.

I blink, "Three. To which you know all of them."

"Two too many." He whispers, leaning down and mock growling as he gently nips at the skin of my neck. I smile wider, pulling his head out and back down to my lips where I kiss him hard and fast. His hands grip my hips as he snaps his cognac brown eyes back open, staring at the shine exerting from my eyes and just glides his arms back around me.

"I get that you two are making up for three years apart, but really? While we're all here?" Fern says in annoyance. Aaron side-glares him, gently pulling me closer if that were possible, slowly, my torso flushes against his hips, I lower my hands to the white button-up.

Samsara moves towards the table in a long red silk dress. Reynolds hasn't been able to keep his eyes off of her since she stepped into the room. Madison had a black silk bodice on with lace around her shoulders. Branson smirks, wrapping his arms around her, complimenting her easily.

Candidate Eight stands in her own green dress, Javier flattens his palms against her still flat belly, while Candidate Thirteen was still unconscious in Tobias' room, locked in there from what I know, "You're not dressed?" Eight says, slowly. Everyone remains quiet, either getting their gear or leaning back and waiting.

"I'm getting in without an invite. My face is high on the radar, but I'll be focused on Harrison. The rest of you know your roles, you stick to the first floor." I say to her.