Seduction's Shadow

Chapter 29: Intoxicated Desires

Aari stumbled into her apartment, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle heavily upon her shoulders. The clock on her wall read 4:30 AM, and the only thought echoing in her mind was that she had to be up by 7 AM to make it to the office on time. Her body protested as she collapsed onto her bed, the events of the night swirling in her head.

By 8 AM, Aari was awake again, but her body felt different. A slight fever was beginning to take hold, and she knew pushing herself further would only worsen it. With a sigh, she emailed her boss, informing them that she wouldn't be able to make it in today, promising to join from the day after tomorrow. Fatigue dragged her back into sleep, and she didn't wake until late in the afternoon.

When she finally checked her phone, there was a message from Aaron.

Aaron: How's your day going?

Aari: Not great.

Aaron: Or something else? Sleepiness?

Aari hesitated, then decided to be honest with him about her health.

Aari: I've got a bit of a fever.

Aaron: Oh fuck, I'm sorry I kept you with me for so long. 😶

Aari realized he was genuinely worried about her, so she reassured him.

Aari: It's just that I was tired. No, to be honest, yesterday was kinda special, so I have zero regrets.

Aaron: I understand, babe. You used the word "special." 🙈 Special why?

A playful smile tugged at Aari's lips as she replied.

Aari: You know why.

Aaron: (teasing) No, I don't know what you're talking about. 😛

Aari: Are you regretting it?

Aaron: It was amazing. No regrets, love. 🙈

They continued talking, their conversation meandering through light-hearted banter and moments of genuine connection. The next day, Aari ventured into the office, beginning her new journey with a sense of contentment.

Days passed in a blur of work and occasional messages exchanged with Aaron. On a weekend, her colleagues proposed going out for drinks together, and Aari agreed, wanting to bond with her new friends. She messaged Aaron about her plans.

Aari: My colleagues are going out for drinks tonight.

Aaron: Have fun, babe. Share today's click with me.

Aari: (sending a selfie) Here you go.

Aaron: Baby, keep it in your pants.

Aari felt a pang of hurt that he didn't trust her enough, but she brushed it off.

Aari: What do you mean by that?

Aaron: You know what I mean. Okay, enjoy.

She did enjoy herself thoroughly that night, but her colleagues ended up getting extremely drunk. Aari found herself helping a friend to the restroom, but in her tipsy state, she accidentally shut the door on Aari's finger, letting out a cry of pain.

Later, she shared the incident with Aaron, laughing despite the mishap. His response was typically teasing.

Aaron: Missy, you're so careless.

They spent the next two hours talking, their conversation ranging from playful teasing to deeper topics.

Two days later, it was Aaron's birthday, but he expressed reluctance to celebrate it.