God of Temptation

Chapter 4

~Remington~

What the hell? The grand plan was a total flop! I expected drama, maybe a slap to my face or my so-called girlfriends hair-pulling showdown, but nope. Ariella just congratulates us and exits the stage left. But then again she was always Uncle Cole's female clone. Impulsive?

Remi, you've outdone yourself.

But still, Ariella doesn't smile. Girl's pulling a plot twist even Shakespeare couldn't predict.

Well it kind of looks like Ariella's got a software update, and I'm not talking about Uncle Cole's cloning technology. The new 'adult' Ariella isn't vibing with my expectations. She's become a master at keeping me on edge, and I thought the minor version was already a pro tease. This upgraded edition is breaking the tease-o-meter.

A headache blossoms behind my eyes as I face the harsh reality that my master plan to dodge Ariella has spectacularly crashed and burned.

Now I am stuck with a front-row seat to the chaos, Remington Astor, take a bow for your epic failure.

I'm stuck dealing with this petite human sitting beside me-- Remington, you really know how to pick 'em.

Nerves on edge, I settle down with Lyla, my soon-to-be ex-girlfriend, who is eyeing me like I just spilled the last coffee. Smooth moves, Astor.

Man, I feel like a colossal jerk. I've upgraded from avoiding Ariella to embracing a full-blown headache.

A stupid chuckle emerges from my right, and I look over to see the idiot Landon, the resident jester reveling in my misfortune. The guy knows my predicament like the back of his hand, and he's practically tap-dancing on my last nerve. He's fully aware of the mess I've stepped into.

I shoot him a 'mind your own business' glare, but instead of taking the hint, he opens his gutter mouth and spews the kind of nonsense that makes me want to introduce his teeth to my fist. But hold that punch, Remington - unleash your "signature smile" instead, the one that's probably more dangerous than a punch to Landon's so-called "real estate."

Opting for my signature smile, I casually ask, "Forget my lordship, how's Mia? Been a while. I was thinking of a game night with her.

And there it is, the ace up my sleeve - drop Mia's name like a bomb, and watch Landon's confident facade crumble.

Remington Astor: 1, Landon King: 0.

"Remi?" This time the sound comes from the girl I'm still thinking what to do with.

I respond calmly, "Yes, love?" internally cringing at the pet name, but under the circumstances, it was all I could come up with.

"I was thinking about going to the amusement park this weekend for our first date." Lyla's cheeks take on a pink hue, but rather than find it endearing, irritation courses through me. It's not because she is asking me on a date-something I should be doing but would rather bury myself than attempt. It's the memory of Ariella's blush when I winked at her that feels right. This blush? Wrong and sinful. I don't like it.

Remi?" I snap out of my internal conflict, meeting Lyla's hopeful gaze which stares at me like I'm the answer to all her dreams. Snap out of it, Remi! Time to dim those hopes and dreams like a pro - commitment isn't my jam, and I'm in this mess for an Ariella evacuation plan, not a relationship subscription.

Buckle up for the guilt trip, your lordship!

And then like light in my darkest moments the universe throws me a lifeline in the form of an unknown caller. Perfect timing, right? My phone rings, glancing at the caller ID, it's an unknown number. Typically, I'd let it go to voicemail, but right now, I need an escape from this conversation delving into restricted territories. If Lyla suggests a quick fuck, I wouldn't refuse, but I know she'll ask for more-something I'm unwilling to provide.

I swipe right to answer the call, expecting an escape route, but all I get is distorted noise - what the hell? But it will still do.

Seizing the opportunity, I carry on the one-sided conversation with my imaginary friends on the other end.

I excuse myself from the Lyla rendezvous, leaving behind a flash of anger in her eyes. Sweet smiles and weird vibes. But I can't care any less. Because guess what? I just traded an amusement park date for a mysterious phone call.