Arley is a shy and innocent girl attending her second year at college. She finds comfort in spending her days at Mister Henry's bookshop, helping out and reading books. At home, Arley is confined to the characters in her books. Being the only girl i...
When I arrived at Dads, the air was thick with the stale scent of old paper and dusty books. I sat down in his worn leather armchair, the seat groaning under my weight.
A mountain of classified documents sprawled across the desk, each one a potential key to uncovering a hidden truth, I knew we were in deeper than we thought.
My gaze drifted to the window, offering a glimpse of the bustling city below. I couldn't shake the image of Mia from my mind - the way her body looked in that black bikini, the way her hair cascaded down her shoulders.
God, her curves- OH SHIT. I shook those thoughts out my head and focused on the paperwork in front of me. Opening my laptop, I began searching through data and employee information. I cross-referenced names, dates, and times, looking for any inconsistencies or suspicious activity.
I was scanning through the employee information when i came across Dads ex secretary, Linda. Akenio and I always had our suspisions about her, her provacative clothing, her sly inappropriate comments and her attempt to flirt with dad.
I dug deeper into her files and saw that she has been funding money into an account through the companys name. A shiver ran down my spine as I continued to read through her information, the account wasn't in her name, though there were few withdrawls of large sums of money.
After calling Akeno to let him know we had a problem, I gathered all the documents from the desk and placed them in my briefcase. I needed to get back home and sit down with dad to discuss this. Something didn't feel right..
I walked out Dads office locking it behind me. I walked through the hallway and towards the elevator before stepping in. My heart hammering in my chest as I became anxious, it has been a while since I had an anxiety attack and I don't plan on having one now.
As the doors of the elevator openned, I stepped outside into the lobby and sent a curt nod to the security guards before heading towards the glass doors. As I stepped outside, the cold breeze hit me like a wave of peace. I took a deep breathe before making my way to me car.
I opened the drivers door and climbed in closing it behind me. I started the engine and pulled the car into the road, before making my way home. My leg bounced as I gripped my hands on the stirring wheel, my knuckles turning white as I clenched my jaw.
Arleys pov
Mia and I were in the kitchen with the guys when Akeno stepped up. Carson was engaged in conversation with his friends as I stood across them by the counter gazing at him. I never noticed how his smile brought out a hidden dimple in his cheek.
I was in a daze staring at Carson when Mia leaned in and whispered, "You're staring" she teased. I jumped slightly turning to Mia with wide eyes. "W-what?" I feigned innocence.
Mia burst out laughing catching everyones attention. I froze in my postion unable to move, I turned to Carson and the guys as they looked at Mia with furrowed eyebrows.
"Something funny Mia?" Carson asked leaning on the counter.
"Yes, Arley was-" I placed my hand over Mia's mouth and dragged her out the kitchen and into the living room.
"M-Mia! A-are you i-insane?!" I panicked.
"Oh my god! You like my brother" Mia squealed jumping in her spot. I groaned hidding my face in my hands as my cheeks spread with an embarrassing shade of pink. "Auww sweetpea that's okay, I won't tell him...but just so you know...he stares at you too." Mia teased with a smirk and slipped back into the kitchen joining the guys.
I stood there with wide eyes, I couldn't believe what Mia just said. Carson stares at me? Like he really stares at me? My heart began pounding in my chest, the heat from body began to radiate and my body began to shake. I took deep breathes trying to calm myself down but it wasn't working.
I paced around the living room trying to still my breathing but my vision became blurry. My pants grew heavier with each breathe and I felt as if I was about to drop on the floor. Akeno walked up to me looking panicked.
"Hey, hey, breathe Angel..it's okay..deep breathes." I gripped Aki's forearms and took deep breathes focusing on his soothing words.
"That's it..take your time...i'm right here" Aki whispered gently brushing my hair back. Aki guided me to the couch scooping me up and placing me on his lap rubbing small circles on my back.
I leaned into his touch as my breathing subsided, I relaxed my body feeling more calm as I hummed resting my head on his shoulder. Aki pulled my closer to him, wrapping my arms around my waist and whispering soothing words against my hair.
I sighed, "M-Mia..told me...C-Carson st-stares at me" I softly whisper fiddling with the buttons on Aki's shirt.
Aki softly chuckled and sat me up so I was facing him. He smiled warmly down at me before gently saying, "We all noticed how he stares at you Angel, I think he has a little crush on you" he teased tickling me sides.
My soft giggles filled the living room before I softly gasped, "A l-little crush? L-like w-when a b-boy likes a g-girl" I tilt my head with big soft eyes.
Aki nods his head chuckling, "Precisely, Angel. Though I need have a few words with my best friend before anything happens here" Aki's voice turned serious.
"What do you need to talk to me about?" I softly gasped and saw Carson leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest with a smirk tugged on his lips.
