God of Temptation

Chapter 12

~Ariella~

Remi sets down a glass of water on a coaster before me, a courteous gesture.

I gulp it down in one go, my throat parched after the intensity of our encounter. Naughty boy.

"Easy there, Jailbait," Remi chuckles lightly, brushing his brown hair back-undeniably sexy.

I place the glass back on the table with a bit of a splash for effect, I recline on the couch, resting against the headrest. Remi's gaze flickers towards the glass, his hands quivering slightly. I bite my lip, suppressing a smirk. Finally, his hand darts out to set the glass back on the coaster, grabbing a tissue nearby to meticulously wipe away the droplets. I observe his arms, the sleeves of his button down rolled upto his elbows. I admire the flex of the veins on his arms, with every movement of his arms. I'm pretty sure they'd look rather enticing wrapped around my throat, wouldn't they?

He tosses the tissue into the bin and returns, taking a seat beside me. I pull out pen and paper, placing them on the table.

Remi eyes the materials I've brought out. "What's all this for?" His forehead furrows in confusion.

"We're laying out the terms for our arrangement. Having it written down leaves no room for confusion or denial," I state matter-of-factly.

Remi bursts into laughter, his shoulders shaking. However, I can't make myself focus on it. I feel a bit heated. What's so funny? Maybe I've overdone it? I merely wanted to preempt whatever Remi might propose and save myself from potential awkwardness.

Suddenly, he reaches out to pinch my cheeks. "Why are you so cute, Jailbait?" I flinch, swatting his hand away, shooting him a fierce glare. But he responds with that annoyingly mischievous smile and a flying kiss. Twat.

Taking the pen, Remi jots down:

Rule #1) Purely physical.

"Just physical, Ariella. No dates, no staying the night. Don't confuse this with commitment," he clarifies.

"Exclusive?" I query, slightly surprised.

"Yeah, because you're my childhood friend, and I can't disrespect you like that. Even if we're friends-with-benefits," he explains, a hint of sincerity in his tone.

I nod, feeling a bit relieved. I thought I might have to argue with him about being exclusive.

"Rule #2) Exit Option.

"Either party can call for an exit if feelings change or attraction wanes. Discussion beforehand is encouraged. Also, it's complet-"

"I can read," I snap, my temper flaring. What does he mean by 'exit option'? Remi belongs to me; there's no 'out' for him. But I bite my tongue, refraining from saying that-I don't want to scare him off.

Remi nods tightly and proceeds with:

"Rule #3) Safeword Protocol.
'Always utilize a safeword when things become overwhelming.'

"Should I explain this to you? Or we you already have a safeword?" he asks.

I force a plastic smile, batting my lashes. "Even if I know the safeword, do you?"

"No."

"And how would you know?"

"You'll tell me, of course."

"Exactly what I thought," I smirk, mocking him. Remi's lips twitch as if he wants to snarl but manages to restrain himself.

Ignoring his reaction, I continue, "I have a few suggestions in mind."