When Fates Entangle (The Alderidges Book 1)

Twenty-Eight: Stupid

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VERENA

TWO WEEKS LATER...

Entering Asael's penthouse, I could hear some voices coming from the direction of the living room.

From the tone of it, it was clear that it was a heated discussion.

"You have to." I heard Arien speak, sounding exasperated.

As I moved closer, Asael's tense voice drifted to me. "I am working on it."

"Since the beginning, I have told you this was ridiculous but you didn't listen to me because yay, you are the head of the family and no one gets to order you around."

"Arien, enough."

"Of course, I can't even call you out on your mistakes."

Asael sighed heavily. "I am sorry."

There was absolute silence and I chose that moment to appear at the entrance of the living room.

Both heads snapped to me from where Asael sat on the couch and Arien stood opposite him.

Arien picked up his jacket and keys and moved past me, his shoulder slightly bumping into me as he left.

"You better drive within the speed limit!" Asael shouted at him.

In response, Arien flipped him off.

Asael relaxed back into the couch, head falling back as he closed his eyes. "Come here, love."

I walked over to him, muttering, "I didn't mean to eavesdrop. But what happened?"

"Nothing you need to worry about." He pulled me down on his lap, pulling me into a hug as he pecked my lips.

"Asael", I said softly, "you don't share things with me, all your problems. Why do you have to take responsibility for each and everything? For once relax and let someone take care of you."

I placed my palm on his cheek. "You don't always have to take care of others. It's a good thing you look after Arien, he needs it but who looks after you?"

He tilted his head, kissing my palm. "I don't need anyone to look after me. I am okay."

"No, everyone needs someone to lean on. I know I can't make all your problems disappear but you can at least share them with me and let me take care of you."

He watched me softly with warmth in his eyes even though exhaustion lined his face. "You will take care of me, my weirdo?"

"Yes."

"Okay. Kiss me then."

I frowned, smacking his shoulder. "You are trying to distract me."

"I am not."

"Yes, you are."

He sighed. "Shouldn't you be studying? You have an exam on Monday."

"I was studying since morning, I am tired now."

"How's your preparation?"

"Good. Don't worry I won't fail and make you embarrassed."

"Even if you fail, I don't care."

"Won't you feel embarrassed?"

"No."

"That's good." I kissed the corner of his mouth. "No pressure on me then."