Plethora Unraveled

Chapter 76: Not Under Any Circumstances

Adrienne

She stepped toward me, stood on her tiptoes, and gently placed her lips against mine.

"One," Ava says.

Her arms slowly made their way around my neck as she tilted her head and parted her fruit-scented glossed lips.

"Two," Ava says.

I quickly yielded and wrapped one arm around her waist while my other hand slid up her jawline.

"Three," Ava says.

My tongue eagerly slipped between her parted lips and wrapped around her desperate tongue. The fight for dominance ended quickly in her defeat.

"Four," Ava says, "Ari focus."

She took back some of her power by slowly backing up against the balcony railing. Without breaking contact I blindly moved with her. I grabbed the bottom of her dress.

"Ari!," Ava yells while she hits my arm.

Ugh, get out, get out, get out of my head. When will that kiss stop plaguing my every waking moment?

"Ari, what is wrong with you? Focus."

This is useless; mid push up I give up, lay my back on the gym mat, and look up at the ceiling.

"Why are you distracted?" Ava asks while leaning over me.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Okay, if you ever want to talk about it, let me know."

"Okay."

She continues to stare at me.

"I hope it is soon though," she says.

"Ava, please drop it."

"I will, I'm just worried about you."

"I'm fine."

She lays her head on my belly and looks up at the art-decorated ceiling. I wrap my arm around her neck.

Of all places to put an elaborate mural of Vacation Isle, she choose the gym ceiling. To expand in its beauty the mural continues to run from ceiling to floor on the back gym wall. It's totally out of place yet calming. Only my creative Ever would create such a dramatic art piece and place it in a standard place.

I remember nervously watching every inch of her as she stood on top of her scaffolding system to paint her mural.

I miss her.

I miss her yet I can't seem to get Jinx Spade's kiss out of my head.

It's lust.

Mostly.

I need to stay away from Jinx; she can't be trusted. I trusted her to drop the charges but she probably never intended to. I think. Ugh, I don't know.

Whatever, I'm just waiting for the day that Ever will return to us. Hopefully, it's soon. I don't know how much longer I can deal with Jinx Spade.

"She did a good job on the mural," Ava says.

"She did."

"I would like for her to paint one in my bedroom."

"She'll love that. What would you like for her to paint for you?"

"Whatever comes to mind."

"That's brave of you. However, I know she'll paint something nice for you."

Of everything she captured in her mural, the silver lining of clouds stands out the most. It never ceases to amaze me.

"Ari."

"Hum."

"I know you don't want to talk about it but can I say something?"

"Yes,' I respond as I mentally prepare myself.

"When she returns she's going to need your support and understanding as she is healing. I can't say how she'll feel but she's been gone for an awful long time; she may have some side effects. You'll have to be patient and give her time."

"Okay,"

"And do not under any circumstances compare her to Jinx Spade."

Too late.

"But you've already done that haven't you?" she asks.

"I try not to."

"Ari, stop doing it now; she will feel that and it will make her insecure on top of other feelings she may have."

"I'll stop, I'll–"

"You'll need to tell her the truth eventually," she says cutting me off, "the sooner the better."

"I'm not telling her, I can't hurt her that way," I calmly say.

"She's going to need someone she can trust, be that plethorian for her."

"The moment I touched–, I've already broken that trust."

"Not willingly, you didn't know. Now that you do know, go no farther."

"I won't."

"Good. Please consider telling her."

"I don't want her to leave me," I whisper while holding back tears.

"That is guilt talking. I think she'll understand. Besides I don't think you'll let her leave you."

"You're right, I won't let her leave me."

"Whose leaving who?" Glacee says as she skips into the gym with her two droids in tow.

Ava sits up and looks at her, "did you come here alone?" she asks with a concerned tone.

"I didn't, Skye Ivee is in the locker room."

"No, she isn't," Skye Ivee says as she enters the gym, "what are you guys doing? Taking a break?"

"Yes, but since you two are here, break over. Come on ladies, let's get started," I say as I stand.