God of Temptation

Chapter 13

~Remington~

When I was a kid, I had this toy I loved. It was a gift from my grandfather, Edric Astor. Yet, as I grew, it lost its sparkle, much like my attention span. That's my pattern—I tend to get bored with things. Even though it was a heartfelt gift from my grandpa, it ended up collecting dust. Rest assured, I deeply value my relationship with him, but material possessions or anything in general rarely hold my attention.
  
When I turned thirteen, I received this peculiar ring on my birthday – a golden paper ring with a hand-drawn red heart. It was both ugly and cute. Despite having received far more extravagant gifts, that cheap paper ring meant something to me. I wore it for years, protected by some magical gel that let me even shower with it. It became a constant, cherished companion.

It stayed with me for a long time until it no longer fit my finger, so I decided to wear it around my neck.  I'm still wearing it now, fiddling with it nervously as anxiety eats away at me. Strangely, it's the only thing that's been with me for such a long time, and I've never grown tired of it, never allowed a speck of dust to touch it.

This gift came from none other than Jailbait, the girl who faints due to low blood pressure. She's not been taking care of herself lately. I swear my heart almost came to a stop. The little troublemaker seemed to take great delight in watching me panic; there was an actual smile on her face.

The doctor has her on an IV drop, which will be finishing in a few minutes. They've taken her blood sample to run some tests just in case. Regardless, I'm insistent about it.

I rushed to prepare her favorite foods – fish, steak, fruit salad, sandwiches, pasta – all the things she adores. Plus, fresh apple juice, her go-to drink.

It might seem odd to be playing house for a friend with benefits, but before that, she's my childhood friend. Her well-being matters greatly, not just to avoid the wrath of Uncle Cole, who will surely and wholly give my lordship nose a great thumping. Because, let's be honest, this lordship nose is a magnet for the ladies.

Ariella lets out a whimper, her face contorting into a frown. Clearly uncomfortable, she winces in pain. Hastily, I rush to her side and clasp the hand injected with the needle.

"Ariella?"

Incoherent sounds escape her throat until she manages to squint, attempting to open her eyes.

As she tries to sit up, I gently push her back down, checking her forehead for any sign of fever. Throughout, Ariella's confused gaze remains fixed on me.

"How are you feeling, Ariella?" I ask, attempting to keep the tone light.

"Good?" she replies, sounding a bit uncertain.

"Good? Do you remember what happened?" I ask, adopting a serious tone I rarely ever used before Ariella entered my life and turned it upside down.

"Don't give me that 'I know everything' look," she retorts sharply.

"That's not the issue right now," I reply, lowering myself to her eye level. "Do you remember what happened?"

Rolling her eyes, she glances around, finally landing her gaze on the IV drip. "Obviously, I fainted."

"Oh no, shit, Sherlock," I mutter.

"Well, I don't know. Too many thoughts racing in my head," she says with a shrug.

"Too many thoughts? What's that supposed to mean?" I question, feeling thoroughly perplexed.

"That's something you won't grasp," Ariella replies cryptically, refusing to divulge further.

"What I do know is you passed out from hunger, not from 'too many thoughts' in your head," I state firmly. "When was the last time you ate?"

"I don't know. Maybe four days ago? Fish and chips?" she offers.

"Good Lord. You mean to tell me you haven't eaten since the last time I got you fish and chips?" I exclaim incredulously.

"Well, yeah, that's what I said, if you heard me," Ariella counters matter-of-factly.

Her mouth! I'll teach it a lesson soon.

"Stay put, I'm getting food," I command, rising to fix her some lunch.

"Re—" she starts, likely with a sassy comeback.

"Stay," I cut in firmly, and she closes her mouth.

As I set the food I've cooked for her on a small table in front of her, I notice an odd gleam in Ariella's eyes. For a moment, panic grips me, fearing she'll mistake my actions for something more. But she yawns, dispelling my worry. The shine in her eyes is due to an impending yawn.

"Thank you, Remi," she mutters before diving into the food with gusto. Watching her devour the meal, I feel an odd sense of accomplishment. I've never cooked for anyone before. Sure, I cook when bored, but never for someone else. Seems there's a first time for everything.

After a few bites, Ariella pushes the table away. She's tasted everything on it, and I've cooked enough to feed an entire village. Surely she's had her fill. But she owes me for the trauma she inflicted—she literally fainted before I could even taste her

"Seriously, Remi, what's with the K-drama moment?" she teases, chuckling. "Thank you though, it was delicious.

Before she can get out of bed, I make her sit again.

"Finish it," I demand, nudging the table back in her direction.

She looks at me as if I've lost my mind, and under normal circumstances, I might've laughed.

I don't back down; instead, I raise an eyebrow, throwing down the silent gauntlet.

She lets out a long, loud sigh, indicating her exasperation with my antics, but wisely chooses not to say anything. My dear ma cherie knows when to pick her battles. A smile involuntarily tugs at my lips.

After a few more bites, she looks at me through her lashes, and I purse my lips, refusing to smile.

"Iz yer firr neh?" she manages, her mouth stuffed with pasta. Satisfied, I set the table aside, removing the IV needle applying a bandage to her hand. While doing so, I notice that Ariella stopped chewing her food. I take her hand and pull her onto my lap. She gasps and starts coughing her blue-green eyes wide in confusion. I pat her back, suppressing a smirk. Right now, I feel like playing a bit naughty.