What If Just...

15 Vivian

"I'm gonna finish my meal and grab a shower, since otherwise you won't let me into your bed," Aiden gently quips. "You're not gonna sleep yet, are you?"

"No, I think I need some time. I'll read a little."

He examines the stack of books towering on the nightstand, and shakes his head somehow disapprovingly, getting up from the bed and leaving the room.

I've just started Pride and Prejudice.

While I'm reading, I immediately write down the parts I particularly like or the ones that make me think a lot.

I am so immersed in the world of Elizabeth Bennet that I don't notice Aiden come into the room again.

"What are you doing?" he asks with interest.

"I write down quotes to reread later."

"Do you memorize them?" he assumes in surprise.

"No, I just read," I tell him softly.

Unable to overcome my curiosity, I ask.
"Don't you read books at all?"

"No," Aiden answers quickly and firmly, then adds, "I read a lot when my parents were alive. After that, too, sometimes, but I was no longer attracted to heroes, I wanted to become a villain."

"Why did you stop reading then?" I ask, after a bit of hesitation.

"Because I became one," he simply replies.

At this moment, devils seem to be dancing in his brown eyes.

I try to get rid of the visions inspired by my impressionability.

"You're not a villain," I say convincingly.

"Why are you so sure?"

"A villain wouldn't help me like that."

"He would if he saw his advantage in it."

We stare into each other's eyes for a few moments. Finally, embarrassed, I decide to change the subject.

"I completely forgot to thank you for the phone and clothes. However, I think you've overdone a little. After all, we agreed I would return the money for the purchases..."

"Vivian, you don't have to return anything to me at all. I have nothing to spend it on anyway," Aiden somehow sadly explains.

"I can't do this", I don't give in, "I'll accept it all only on the condition that I'll return everything to the last penny."

"Okay, okay. But keep in mind that you can take your time," he replies, smirking.

I like how his manly face transforms when he breaks into a smile: a dimple on his cheek and white teeth become visible, wrinkles gather around his eyes, which are playfully sparkling.

I actually think people are as close to their childish versions of themselves as possible when they sincerely smile.

"I wanted to listen to music, but couldn't," I blurt out.

"Yes, you should subscribe first. I'll do everything myself," Aiden promises, getting serious again, "We need to go to bed. As I get Grace is taking you with her?"

"Yes, she's going to teach me the basics in her workshop," I reply quietly.

"Then you don't have much time for sleep left," he says, pushing back the blanket, "Considering you were awake the whole previous night, I don't envy your condition tomorrow. I mean, today," he states. "Put the book down and turn off the light."

I do as he commands because I know he's right.

"'Good night, Aiden,'" I whisper as I get comfortable.